ABSOLUTION - The declaration of God's forgiveness of sins pronounced by the Priest after the confession of sins in the Sacrament of Penance (Confession).

ADVENT - The forty day fast before Christmas beginning November 28, new calendar.

AER (ar) - A large Veil used to cover the Chalice and Paten during the Divine Liturgy. Usually made of the same material as the Priest's vestments.

AFFINITY - A spiritual relationship becoming an impediment to marriage. Godparents contract a spiritual affinity with the child through Baptism. In Matrimony, blood relatives of the husband to the second degree of kindred, inclusive, contract this relationship of affinity with the wife. The same applies to blood relatives of the wife in relation to the husband. Between such relatives, dispensation is necessary to permit marriage.

AGNETS - The sacrificial lamb of the Old Testament. In the New Testament Jesus was symbolically called the Lamb; accordingly, Orthodox Churches attribute the name Agnets to Christ in the Sacrament of Eucharist and the portion of the Holy Bread taken from the Prosphora for the mystic transubstantiation is called Agnets.

AKATHIST - A Service consisting of many hymns of praise to the Saviour, the Virgin Mary or some Saint, sung in Church or at home. The word is from the Greek word meaning not to sit.

ALLELUIA - Derived from the Hebrew, meaning Praise the Lord. It is sung after the reading of the Epistle at the Liturgy and at the end of the Psalms.

ALL-NIGHT VIGIL SERVICE - consists of portions of Great Vespers, combined with Matins. In the early Church the Vigil Service lasted all night, as its name, the Ail-Night Vigil Service, denotes.

ALPHA and OMEGA - First and last letters of the Greek alphabet; symbolize the beginning and the end.

ALTAR - Derived from the Latin, meaning a place of sacrifice. In the Eastern Church it is the elevated area (Sanctuary) separated from the Nave by the Iconostas. The Prestol upon which the sacrifice of the Eucharist is brought is located here.

ALTAR BREAD - Round loaves of bread made from pure wheat flour, used in the Divine Liturgy. Also known as Prosphora.

AMEN - From the Hebrew, meaning so be it; a response sung or said at the end of Prayers, signifying approval of what has preceded.

AMVON - The elevated area, also known as Ambo, directly in front of the Royal Doors, used as the pulpit.

ANALOY - A high table, usually having a sloped top which is used as a Gospel stand or an Icon stand.

ANAPHORA - The portion of the Liturgy of the Faithful beginning with: "Let us stand aright, let us stand with fear..."

ANATHEMA - Solemn excommunication from the Church.

ANGEL - A pure bodiless spirit created by God before man. There are nine degrees of Angels. Each Monday of the year is dedicated to the Angels.

ANDREW'S CROSS - An "X" shaped cross named from St. Andrew as he was crucified on such a cross. The lower slanting bar on the Orthodox cross is sometimes interpreted as St. Andrew's as he was the first to preach the Gospel to the Slavs.

ANOINTMENT - Anointing the sick with oil is one of the Sacraments and is accompanied with Prayers for the healing of the body and soul.

ANTICHRIST - The great personal opponent of Christ who is to appear before the end of the world and who will be overthrown by Christ at His second coming.

ANTIDOR - The name given to the pieces of the Prosphora which are distributed to worshipers after the Divine Liturgy. From the Greek, it means instead of a reward.

ANTIMINS - Also known as Corporal, an Antimins is a silk cloth with a sketch of the entombment of Christ inscribed on it and a part of a relic sewed into it. A combined Greek-Latin word meaning in place of a table, the Antimins is absolutely necessary in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

ANTIPHON - Verses from the Psalms, each followed by anthems, sung on Great Holy Days at the Divine Liturgy after each of the first three litanies.

APOCALYPSE - Prophetic New Testament book written by the Apostle John. The final book of the Bible, also known as Revelations.

APOCRYPHA - Certain Old Testament books not considered Canonical but included in Orthodox and Roman Catholic Bibles.

APOSTLE - From the Greek, meaning one who is sent. The name given by Christ to the Twelve Disciples. The Orthodox Church applies this name also to the Seventy Disciples of Christ who preached the Gospel. Some outstanding Christian workers have also become known as Equal-to-the-Apostles.

ARCHBISHOP - Chief of the Bishops in a Church province.

ARCHDEACON - The chief Deacon. If married, the title is Protodeacon. The Martyr Stephen was the first Archdeacon.

ARCHIMANDRITE - A monastic rank next below the Bishop in the Church hierarchy. From the Greek, meaning the head of a monastery.

ARCHPRIEST - Priest honoured with special dignity or assigned special duties.

ARTOS - Easter bread representing the Bread of Eternal Life. The Artos is kept on the lectern during Easter Week and is broken up and given to the worshipers the eighth day after Easter.

ASTERISK - The asterisk, also called the Star, is a sacred vessel placed over the Paten to keep the Holy Bread and particles disposed around it in a prescribed order. Also serves to support the aer and veil covering the Chalice and Paten.

AUTOCEPHALOUS - From the Greek meaning self-heading or self-governing. It is used to describe the type of power and authority a regional or national Church has. It means the national Church can elect its own head (Metropolitan, Patriarch) without any interference from any other Patriarch or national Church.

BANNER - Metallic or brocade cloth inscribed with sacred Icons, carried at the head of processions on long poles.

BAPTISM - Sacrament washing away original sin and joins person baptized to the Church. Baptism, usually performed by a Priest, may be administered by a layman in cases of emergency.

BEATITUDES - The nine blessings given by Christ in His Sermon on the Mount. They are sung at the time of the Little Entrance in the Divine Liturgy.

BEGOTTEN - To be born of. Jesus is the Only-Begotten Son of God the Father - the only Son born (of the same nature) of God. All Christians are sons of God, but we are created sons - first, humans are created by God, then we are adopted by the Father as His children through Jesus Christ. Jesus on the other hand is born of the Father but not created. He shares the Father's Divinity, nature and eternal life.

BELFRY - Part of the Church where the Church bells are hung, usually a tower above the front of the Church.

BELLS - Used to summon the faithful to worship. They are rung at certain progressive points in the Service, while the Holy Gifts are being consecrated, during processionals and are tolled in mourning for the dead.

BENEDICTION or DISMISSAL - Blessing given by the Priest at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.

BETROTHAL - First part of the Marriage ceremony in which a formal and binding promise is made and rings are placed on the fingers of the bride and groom.

BIBLE - Sacred Books including the Old and New Testaments. Holy Writings of men inspired by God.

BISHOP - One of the chief orders of Orthodox clergy, endowed with the right of laying on of hands to ordain Priests and Deacons. A Bishop is usually in charge of a diocese.

BODY and BLOOD - This refers to the precious mystery of Communion. In the Orthodox Church, Communion - receiving the Gifts of the Body and Blood are accepted as our way to be united to Christ. We pray that our gifts be transformed by the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body and Blood, so that we might unite our human selves to His humanity which is the redeemed, resurrected, deified humanity of God the Son in the flesh.

BOHORODICHEN - Hymn to the Birth-Giver of God or Dogmatik, from the Greek word dogma, or doctrine .

BOWING - Attitude of the body in Divine Worship to express reverence.

BYZANTINE - Style of architecture popular with Orthodox Churches, developed in Byzantium, now called Istanbul.

CALENDAR - Orderly arrangement of the days, weeks and months of the year. The Orthodox Church uses the old Julian calendar in reckoning church days.

CALVARY - Golgotha, the Mount where Christ was crucified.

CANDLES - Used profusely in Orthodox Churches to express the warmth of devotion and as symbols of the light of Christ.

CANON - From the Greek, meaning rule. Applies to a rule given by a Priest to a worshiper after confession for spiritual healing and strength and is also applied to the collection of hymns sung at Matins.

CANON LAW - Rules or laws relating to faith, morals and discipline as prescribed by the Ecumenical and Provincial Councils and the Holy Fathers.

CANONIZATION - Proclamation by Church authorities on the sanctity and glory of a faithful departed. Through this public testimony the person canonized is inscribed in the list of Saints.

CANON OF SCRIPTURE - The list of inspired books accepted on Church authority as the Word of God - the Bible.

CATECHISM - Elementary Christian doctrine instruction in question and answer form.

CATHEDRA - Bishop's throne in back of the Altar. The Amvon is also sometimes given this name.

CATHEDRAL - Main Church of a Diocese where the Bishop has his throne.

CATECHUMEN - A person preparing for Baptism. In former times, catechumens were permitted to remain in Church for only the first two portions of the Divine Liturgy.

CATHOLIC - In literal meaning, denotes universal or all-embracing. Signifies that the Church of Christ is for all ages, for all nations, for all races and is the Ark of Salvation for all mankind.

CELIBACY - In the Roman Church, a rule forbidding marriage in the clergy. In the Orthodox Church, those entering the Priesthood cannot marry after being ordained. Orthodox Bishops are chosen from celibates or widowers who have taken monastic vows.

CENSER - Vessel used for burning incense in Church ceremonies.

CHALICE - A sacred vessel, in the form of a cup, made of precious metal and consecrated to contain the wine which becomes the Blood of Christ during the Divine Liturgy.

CHASUBLE - A large garment without sleeves also called a Felon, short in front and with an opening for the head which is worn as the principal vestment by a Priest in celebrating the Divine Liturgy.

CHERUBIM - One of the second highest order of Angels. In the Divine Liturgy we approach the Heavenly Throne of Christ and thus join in with the Angels in singing praise to God. The Hymn which reminds us of this calling is called the Cherubimic Hymn and it begins: "Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim..."

CHRISM - Holy Oil, also called Myrrh, used in the Sacrament of Chrismation. Chrism is mixed and blessed by a group of Bishops on Thursday of Holy Week.

CHRISMATION - Also called Confirmation, is the Sacrament by which believers receive the Holy Spirit. In the Orthodox Church, it is administered immediately after Baptism.

CHRISTEN - To name an infant at Baptism; to receive into the Church by Baptism. Baptism is often called Christening.

CHRISTIAN - One baptized into the Church to become a follower of Christ. Followers of Christ were first called Christians at Antioch.

CHURCH - A divinely instituted community of believers. Members of the Orthodox Church are united by the Orthodox faith, the laws of God, the hierarchy and the Sacraments.

CHURCH MILITANT - Members of the Church on earth in warfare against sin and evil as distinguished from the Church Triumphant in Heaven.

CHURCHING OF WOMEN - The blessing of women after childbirth.

CLERGY - Those ordained to the threefold ministry of the Church - Bishops, Priests and Deacons, as distinguished from laymen.

COMMUNION, HOLY - The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. After proper confession and absolution, the worshiper receives sanctifying grace through the true Body and Blood of Christ. Those who are to receive Communion must fast from midnight previous to the hour of receiving this Sacrament.

COMMUNION OF SAINTS - All members of the Church, in Heaven and on earth are in communion with each other, as being one Body in Christ.

CONFESSION - Acknowledgement of sin before God in the presence of a Priest; the Sacrament of Penance.

CONFESSOR - Person who hears confession or one who has suffered persecution for his faith.

CONSECRATION - The dedication of anything to Divine Service or elevation of a member of the clergy to the rank of Bishop.

CONVENT - The dwelling of religious women living under monastic rules.

CORPORAL - The cloth on the Altar on which the Holy Eucharist is consecrated. Also called Antimins.

COUNCILS - At different times in the history of the Church, it became necessary for the Christian leaders and Bishops to convene to decide on matters of doctrine and policy. These were called councils, they could be held on a local or world wide level.

CREED - The statement of belief of Orthodox Christians adopted by the Church in the years 325 and 381 A.D. The name comes from the Latin words for / believe which are also the first words of the statement. Also called the Nicene Creed or the Symbol of Faith. It is sung during the Divine Liturgy by the faithful as a statement of faith and a sign of their unity in belief.

CROSS, ORTHODOX - The Orthodox Cross has three bars. The top bar represents the title nailed above Jesus and the short slanting lower bar represents the footrest which points upward to remind believers that Christ points the way to Heaven.

CRUETS - The two bottles on the Oblation Table used for holding the water and wine used in the preparation of the elements for the Holy Eucharist.

CUFFS - Worn as part of the vestments by Deacons and Priests. Cuffs remind Deacons to put their strength in the right hand of the Lord. Worn by Priests, the cuffs are symbolic of the bonds tying the hands of Christ and also symbolize that the Priest's hands are tied against sin.

CUPOLA - The steeple domes found on most Orthodox Churches. A Church may have a single cupol or as many as thirteen. One dome predominates and signifies Christ as the head of the Church.

DALMATIC - The outer vestment worn by Deacons during the Service.

DEACON - First of the three orders of Priesthood. Deacons assist Priests or Bishops at the Divine Liturgies and other Services.

DEAN - The elected or appointed supervisor of a district; the senior Priest at a Cathedral; the faculty head of a Theological Seminary.

DIKIRI - Double candle holder used by a Bishop in blessing worshipers at a Divine Service. It represents the two natures of Christ, Human and Divine.

DIOCESE - Territory under the jurisdiction of one Bishop.

DISPENSATION - Permission granted by ecclesiastical authority for something not

usually permitted by the Canon Law.

DIVINE - Anything that is related to God, from God, or like God. DIVINE LITURGY - see Liturgy. DOGMA - A truth contained in Scripture or Holy Tradition formulated by the

Ecumenical Councils and Fathers of the Church.

DOORS - Most common association is with the three doors of the Iconostasis. The north door leads to the Offertory-chapel, the south door to the Sacristy and the center doors are the Royal Doors which have a curtain behind them.

DOXOLOGY - A Prayer glorifying God.

EECTENIA - Also known as Litany; a series of petitions chanted by the Priest or Deacon with responses by the choir.

ECUMENICAL COUNCIL - An assembly of representatives of the Church legally convoked for the settlement of ecclesiastical affairs, formulating dogmas and making rules of faith and morals. Seven Ecumenical Councils are recognized by the Orthodox Church.

ENTRANCE - Solemn procession of the celebrants of Divine Liturgy. The Little Entrance is a procession of the Holy Gospel and the Great Entrance a procession bringing the Holy Gifts from the Oblation Table to the Altar.

EPIGONATION - An oblong piece of vestment ornament suspended upon the right hip as a symbol of the sword of the spirit. Indicates outstanding service.

EPIKLESIS - A Greek word meaning the invocation or calling upon. In the Divine Liturgy, during the consecration of the Body and Blood of Christ, we call upon the Holy Spirit to come down upon us and upon the gifts we are offering, to consecrate and transform them.

EPISCOPATE - Collectively, the entire body of Bishops.

EPISTLE - A portion of the Scriptures read before the reading of the Gospel at Divine Liturgy.

EUCHARIST, HOLY - The Sacrament under which bread and wine become the true Body and Blood of Christ with transubstantiation taking place during the Divine Liturgy. - In Greek this word means thanksgiving.

EVANGELISTS - Inspired writers of the four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

EVANGELIYE - From the Greek, meaning good news; the Book of the Gospels used in Divine Services.

EXAPOSTILARIY or SVITILEN - Hymn of Light, because its subject is chiefly the illumination of the soul and its singing at Matins precedes the break of the day. Exapostilariy is a Greek word and means one who is sent forth. In ancient times a chanter was sent out into the centre of the Church to sing it.

FAITH - The power bestowed by God which enables us to believe what God has revealed.

FASTING DAYS - Days and seasons appointed by the Church during which the faithful abstain from meat.

FATHERS of the CHURCH - Early Christian writers and defenders of the faith.

FEAST - A holy day commemorating some Saint, some event in the life of Christ or in the life of the Virgin Mary. Easter is the Feast of Feasts and there are twelve other Great Feasts.

FILIOQUE - Words inserted in the Nicene Creed by the Roman Church regarding the Holy Spirit.

FRESCOS - Wall and ceiling murals, painted on the plaster, that adorn the Church.

GOD - The Supreme, Eternal Almighty Spirit, infinite in all perfections, the Creator and Governor of all things.

GODFATHER and GODMOTHER - Sponsors at Holy Baptism; they promise that the godchild is taught the truths of Christian faith.

GOOD FRIDAY - The Friday preceding Easter, commemorating Christ's death on the Cross.

GOSPEL - Literally means good news or glad tidings. The good news is that the Messiah, the Saviour of the world, has come and He is Jesus. In the Church Services, Gospel also refers to the reading selected from one of the four accounts about the life of Jesus found in New Testament. It sometimes is also used to mean the Book of the Four Gospels which is found on the altar table in the Church and which contains only the writings of the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

GRACE - The supernatural gift of God enabling us to attain salvation and obtained mainly by Prayer and Sacraments.

GUARDIAN ANGELS - Angels divinely appointed at the time of Baptism to guide and protect each individual soul throughout life.

GLORIOUS or BRIGHT WEEK - The week which follows Easter Sunday.

HAGIOGRAPHY - Lives of the Saints.

HEAVEN - The place and state of perfect blessedness where those who are saved shall be in the full light of God's presence forever.

HELL - The place and state of condemnation where lost souls are tormented eternally.

HERESY - Denial or rejection of a revealed truth by one who has professed Christianity.

HIERARCHY - The higher clergy; the rulers in spiritual matters. HOLY SPIRIT - Third Person of the Divine Trinity.

HOLY WATER - Water blessed by the Priest on the Day of Theophany and on other special occasions. Used to bless persons and things and to drive away evil spirits.

HOLY WEEK - The week preceding Easter, commemorating the sufferings of Christ. HOSANNA - From the Hebrew, meaning Ī Lord, save, we pray.

HOURS - Simplest form of Orthodox Service, performed during the different hours of the day.

ICONOSTAS - Image-screen. The high wall covered with sacred pictures that divides the Sanctuary from the Nave of the Church.

ICONS - From the Greek word for image. In the Orthodox faith, painted, pictoral images of Christ and the Saints are a normal part of piety and worship. These images serve several purposes - they educate us about the faith and our understanding of God's salvation, they inspire us to holiness, and they bring us to the reality of God's Kingdom. The images themselves are not worshipped, but are honoured or venerated because of the reality they put us in contact with. The true honour belongs to those portrayed in the Icons, while worship is given to God alone.

ILLUMINATION - Another name for baptism. Christ is the Light of the world Who illumines all men. When we are baptized we put on Christ and become illumined with the knowledge of Christ and experience His saving power.

INCARNATION - Literally means in the flesh. The Incarnation is the act of the Eternal God the Son becoming man in the person of Jesus Christ. God becomes Man and unites His Divine nature to the human nature He receives from the Virgin Mary.

INCENSE - Aromatic gum substance burnt in the censer; used during the Divine Services.

IPAKOY - A Verse sung along with the Sedalen after the third Song of the Canon. IRMOS - First Tropar hymn. From the Greek, meaning junction, connection, liaison.

JESUS CHRIST - God the Son, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. He is one person with two natures, God and Man.

JUDGMENT, GENERAL - Judgment of all mankind at the end of the world with the second coming of Christ.

KATAVASIA - The Irmos sung by two joined choirs (in the middle of the Temple at the end of each Theme-Song.)

KATHISMA - One of twelve sections into which the Psalter is divided containing prophecies concerning the sufferings and death of the Saviour. During the reading of the Kathisma one may sit.

KONDAK - Short hymn sung at the Divine Service. There is a different Kondak for each of the eight tones with special ones for the Feast Days.

LAMB - The Host, also known as Agnets. The portion of the bread adhering to the Seal cut from the first Prosphora and intended for Consecration.

LAMPADA - Lamps burning before Icons as a mark of honour and as a reminder that the Light of Christ shines through His Saints.

LANCE - The double-edged, pointed lancet used to cut the Lamb and particles from the Prosphora. Also called the Spear.

LENT - Period of fasting. The Orthodox Church observes four lenten periods during the year with the greatest of these the fasting period before Easter.

LITANY - Petitions recited by the Deacon or Priest with responses by the choir.

LITIYA - From the Greek, meaning a Fervent Prayer, petitions of Fervent Devotion. Litiya is served especially on the eve of a Great Feast.

LITURGY or DIVINE LITURGY - The Service in which the people's offering of bread and wine is transformed by the Holy Spirit into the Body and Blood of Jesus, and then distributed to the faithful. Liturgy means the common work, and is the work of the Christian community when it assembles together as the Church, the Body of Christ.

LITURGY OF THE CATECHUMENS - The part of Divine Liturgy, so named because the Catechumens or unbaptized students of Christianity were permitted to attend it in the early Church. Also known as the Liturgy of the Word because it consists of the Scripture readings but not the Communion.

LITURGY OF THE FAITHFUL - The part of the Divine Liturgy including the Mystery of the Eucharist and the reception of the Communion by faithful Christians.

MAGNIFICAT - Hymn sung in honour of the Virgin Mary after the eighth Song of the Canon at Matins.

MANIFESTATION - Revelation or showing forth. The Holy Trinity manifested itself at the baptism of Christ.

MANTIA - Bishop's mantle, often of purple but may be of some other color, with a long train. Adorned with ribbons, usually red and white, and small bells.

MARTYR - One voluntarily enduring death for the faith.

MASS - In the Orthodox Church, the Divine Liturgy. In the Western Church it is the Service of the Eucharist.

MATRIMONY - Sacrament blessing and sanctifying Christian marriage. METROPOLITAN - Head Archbishop of an ecclesiastical province.

MAUNDY THURSDAY - Thursday of Holy Week, marked by the reading of the Twelve Gospels at evening Services.

MATINS - Morning Divine Service preceding the Divine Liturgy. Sometimes held on the eve of a Church holiday or Sunday.

MESSIAH - An old Hebrew word meaning the anointed one. It is translated into the Greek by the word Christ. The Kings of Israel were anointed with oil at their enthronement. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit showing Him to be the Eternal King of God.

MITER - Headdress worn by Bishops. Archimandrites and some other clergy are also privileged to wear it.

MONASTERY - Dwelling place of men leading a life of Prayer under vows. MONK - One renouncing the world to lead a religious life under monastic vows. MOTHER OF GOD - The Virgin Mary; Jesus, born of Her as Man, is also True God. MYSTERY - A Sacrament, the outward sign of inward grace. MYRRH - Sacred oil used for anointing in the Sacrament of Chrismation.

NARTHEX - Vestibule area of church leading to the Nave.

NEW TESTAMENT - That part of the Christian scriptures or Bible which begins with the appearance of Jesus Christ on earth, and describes His works and teachings as well as those of His disciples. Christ has won a new agreement or New Testament for mankind with God.

NICENE CREED - The statement of faith adopted by the Christians in the first two Ecumenical Councils held in 325 A.D. and 381 A.D. Nicene refers to the city of Nicaea where the first Council was held.

NUN - Woman who has taken monastic vows.

N-I-K-A - Initials of the Greek words, meaning By this thou conquer. These initials are stamped on the Prosphora.

OBLATION - The preparation of the elements of bread and wine for the Divine Liturgy.

OBLATION TABLE - Table placed against the wall on the left side of the altar where the elements are prepared for the Holy Eucharist.

OKTOICH - Service Book containing the Canons and Hymns of the Eight Tones used during the Daily and Great Vespers and Matins.

OLD TESTAMENT - That part of the Christian scriptures dealing with God's first agreement, covenant or testament with mankind through the Jews. It includes the Law of the Jews and the prophecies of a New Testament and Christ.

OMOFOR - Bishop's stole which is very broad and which hangs down in front and behind over other vestments. Also called the Pall.

ONE - The Church is one because God is one and because Christ and the Holy Spirit are one. There can only be one Church and not many, for as its unity depends on God, Christ and the Spirit, it may never be broken. Thus, according to Orthodox Doctrine, the Church is indivisible; men may be in or out of it, but they may not divide it.

ORAR - The deacon's stole, a long wide band of material worn over the left shoulder, sometimes crossed upon the breast and back.

ORDINATION - Sacrament under which Bishops, through the laying on of hands, bestow Priesthood on qualified candidates.

ORLETZ - The Eagle. A small rug that a Bishop stands on during Divine Service. Use is accorded to Bishops alone.

ORTHODOX - From the Greek word for the right glory, and implying the right worship and right beliefs. It is a descriptive term about the Christian Church and its relation to God in worship and doctrine as compared to pagan and other non-Christian religions. It is used to refer to the Christian Church which developed in the Eastern Countries as opposed to the Latin and Western Churches.

PALL - Stole worn by a Bishop. Also called Omofor.

PANAGIA - Round or oval image of Christ or the Virgin Mary, richly decorated, worn on the chest by Bishops. Means the All-Holy.

PANIKHIDA - A Prayer Service for the repose of the dead, a Requiem.

PAREMIA - A moralistic part of the Holy Scriptures read by the Reader during Vespers.

PARISH - Group of faithful united under a properly ordained Priest to form a unit of a Diocese and adhering to the tenets of the Church.

PASCHAL CANON - Rule for determining the dates of Easter and other movable feasts.

PASCHAL WEEK - The week following Easter or Bright Week.

PASSION WEEK - Week preceding Easter, commemorating the sufferings and death on the Cross of Christ.

PATEN - Round, flat plate, usually made of silver, upon which the Holy Bread is placed and consecrated.

PATRIARCH - Originally one of the Bishops of the four ancient centers of Christianity - Constantinople, Jerusalem, Antioch and Alexandria. Now, the highest dignitary in the Church hierarchy.

PECTORAL CROSS - Cross worn on the chest of Priests and Bishops as a mark of their office.

PENANCE - The Sacrament through which the sins committed after Baptism are forgiven through confession.

PENTECOST - Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Disciples on the fiftieth day after Easter.

POLIELEY - Literally means much mercy. It is the triumphant part of Matins calling forth images of Christ's Resurrection and the events which followed it. During the Polieley the Royal Doors are opened, the entire Church is brightly illumined and the Priest appears from the open Altar, censing the whole Church. The Polieley begins with the triumphant singing of the Psalm: "Praise ye the Name of the Lord..."

PSALM - Any of the 150 sacred Songs and Prayers that together constitute the Book of Psalms of the Old Testament.

PSALTER - Book of Psalms in the Old Testament used in all Divine Services.

PRESTOL - The Altar, representing the Throne of God in Heaven with God Himself on it. Also represents the tomb of Christ since His Body is placed thereon.

PROKIMEN - Verse and refrain which is read and sung before the reading of the Epistle. Also called Gradual.

PROSKOMIDIYA - From the Greek, meaning to bring offering. The first part of the Divine Liturgy consisting of the preparation of bread and wine used in the Communion. PROSPHORA (prosfor'a) - Altar Breads used for the Sacrament of Eucharist.

PRYCHASTEN - A Verse sung during the time in the Liturgy when the clergy receive Holy Communion.

REAOKR - One reading the Psalms, Verses and the lesson from the Epistle. REQUIEM - Service for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed. REVERENCE - A profound bow or a prostration.

SABAOTH - In Hebrew means hosts, hence "The Lord God of Hosts." SABBATH - The seventh day of the week, ordered to be kept holy by the Fourth Commandment. The day God rested after creation. The Apostles transferred the obligation to the first day of the week in honour of Christ's Resurrection.

SACRAMENT - A mystery - an outward visible sign of an inward invisible grace. The Orthodox Church has Seven Sacraments.

SACRIFICE - A holy offering. The Great Christian Sacrifice is the Holy Eucharist.

SACRISTY - Room alongside the Sanctuary where the sacred vessels and vestments are kept and where the clergy put on their robes for Divine Services.

SAINT - One who has led a pure and holy life and has been inscribed in the list of Saints and whose memory is celebrated on a given day.

SAKKOS - Proper Eucharistic vestment of Bishops.

SANCTUARY - Area of the Church, separated from the Nave by the Iconostas, where the Altar stands.

SCHISM - Separation from the True Apostolic Church. The Great Schism of 1054 divided the Church into East and West.

SCRIPTURE - The sacred writings of a religious body. In Orthodoxy there is a recognized set of writings which is considered of special importance, which is called the Bible. The Orthodox Old Testament contains some sections which are not found in most English Bibles because the Protestants choose to leave them out. These sections are known among non-Orthodox as the Apocrypha.

SEDALEN - A Tropar sung after a group of Psalms in certain specified places in the Service.

SEE - Place where a Bishop holds jurisdiction.

SERAPHIM - One of the nine ranks or kinds of Angels whose purpose is the continual adoration of God.

SOLEA - The raised floor in front of the Iconostas. The middle portion, just in front of the Royal Doors, where Holy Communion is administered, is called the Amvon.

SPOON - Sacred object used to convey the Holy Gifts (Body and Blood of Christ) into the mouths of Communicants.

STEPENNY ANTIPHONI - The Degrees of the Antiphon. These Hymns sung after the Small Litany upon the completion of the Glorification.

STIKHIRI - Verses sung after the Verses of a Psalm, in Vespers after Psalms 141, 129, 116. They are also part of Matins. They follow their own system of eight tones known as Samohlasen Tones of the Stikhiri.

STOLE - Long, narrow vestment worn over the left shoulder by a Deacon. A Priest's Stole is worn around the neck and joined in front for its entire length, falling low upon the cassock. Neither Priests nor Deacons can celebrate any Service or office without the Stole.

SVITILEN - See Exapostelariy.

SUNDAY - First day of the week, observed by Christians as a day of rest and worship in commemoration of Christ's Resurrection.

SYMBOL OF FAITH - Another name for the Creed. This statement of our beliefs stands as a symbol of the teachings of Orthodox Christianity.

TABERNACLE - Receptacle, standing on the Altar, in which the Blessed Sacraments are reserved before conveyance to the sick.

THEOLOGY - The science teaching of God and the things of God. Positive Theology explains and interprets the Holy Scriptures and the writings of Church Fathers. Dogmatic Theology proves and defends truths of the faith. Moral Theology explains Christian conduct.

THEOTOKOS - The Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

THURIBLE - A censer, the vessel in which incense is burned. Also called Kadilo.

TONE - Standard melody for Versicles, Tropar and Prokimen, arranged in Eight Tones, which are sung in continuous cycle throughout the year.

TRADITION, HOLY - The spiritual treasures inherited from the ancestral Holy Fathers, in accord with the scriptures but larger in extent.

TRANSUBSTANTIATION - In the Holy Eucharist, the changing of bread and wine, at consecration, into the Body and Blood of Christ.

TRIKIRI - Candle holder for three candles, representing the Holy Trinity, used by the Bishop to bestow blessings upon the people.

TRINITY, HOLY - The mystery of faith which teaches that there is One God in Three Divine Persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. All three Persons of the Trinity are of one Divine Substance, are One God and are co-eternal with each other. God the Father is characterized in that He is the Cause and Origin; God the Son is characterized as Begotten of the Father; the Holy Spirit is characterized by proceeding from the Father.

TRISAGION - The Thrice-Holy Hymn sung at the Divine Liturgy and often said as a Prayer: "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us." TROICHEN - Hymn to the Holy Trinity.

TROPAR - Short Hymn sung after the Little Entrance in the Divine Liturgy. There is a different Tropar for each of the Eight Tones with special ones for each of the Feasts.

UNCTION - The Sacrament which provides spiritual healing for bodily ills and prepares those critically ill for the better life in Heaven. This Sacrament includes anointment with oil. UNIATE GREEK CATHOLICS - Those once Orthodox who later acknowledged the authority of the Pope. In Church Services they follow the Greek rite but adhere to the Roman dogmas. UNFROCK - Depriving a Priest or Bishop of his Orders for a grave offence.

VEIL - The covering for the Chalice and Paten, used at the beginning and end of the Divine Liturgy.

VESPERS - Even-song. The evening Service.

VESSELS, SACRED - Vessels used in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

VESTMENTS - The special garments worn by Deacons, Priests and Bishops in the celebration of Divine Services and in administering the Sacraments.

VIGIL - The eve of a Holy Day.

WEEKLY CYCLE OF SERVICES - Each day of the week is consecrated to special memories concerning Christ, the Angels, Apostles, Saints and departed Christians.

WINDING SHEET - A large sheet of velvet with an image of the Entombment of Christ inscribed on it. It is brought out on Good Friday to the center of the Church for adoration. On Saturday before midnight it is placed on the Altar and remains there until the Feast of Ascension.

WORD, THE - The name in the Scriptures given to the Pre-Eternal Son of God, before He became incarnate as Jesus Christ. Taken from John 1:1-14, the Word is more than just a spoken sound, or written expression, He is the Divine Son of God.

YEAR, ECCLESIASTICAL - The church calendar which begins the first of September.

ZADOSTOYNIK - A Prayer, which is sung during the Liturgy instead of "It is truly meet..." ZONE - The belt or girdle worn by Priests and Bishops when robed for celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Made of the same material as the vestments.

A TABLE OF LESSONS OF HOLY SCRIPTURE

To be read at the Liturgy, on Sundays, throughout the year. The portions of Scripture appointed for the Epistles and Gospels.

Sunday

Epistle

Gospel

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee ..... II Tim. 3:10-15

Sunday of the Prodigal Son ............. I Cor. 6:12-20

Meat Fast Sunday..................... I Cor. 8:8-9:2

Cheese Fast Sunday. .................. Rom. 13:11-14:1

First Sunday of Lent.. ................. Heb. 11:24-26; 11:32-12:2

Second Sunday of Lent. ................ Heb. 1:10-23; 7:26-8:2

Third Sunday of Lent.................. Heb. 4:14-5:6

Fourth Sunday of Lent................. Heb. 6:13-20; Eph. 5:9-16

Fifth Sunday of Lent.................. Heb. 9:11-14

Gal. 3:23-29 Palm Sunday......................... Phil. 4:4-9

Easter Sunday-Divine Liturgy. ......... Acts 1:1-8

Vesper Service..........

Sunday of St. Thomas................. Acts 5:12-20 ;

Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women..... Acts 6:1-7

Sunday of the Paralytic................ Acts 9:3242

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman. ....... Acts 11:19-26; 29-30

Sunday of the Blind Man............... Acts 16:16-34

Sunday of the Holy Fathers............. Acts 20:16-18; 26-36

Holy Pentecost Sunday................. Acts 2:1-11

First Sunday after Pentecost............. Heb. 11:33-12:2

Second Sunday after Pentecost. ......... Rom. 2:10-16

Third Sunday after Pentecost............ Rom. 5:1-10

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost........... Rom. 6:18-23

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. ........... Rom. 10:1-10

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost. ........... Rom. 12:6-14

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost.......... Rom. 15:1-7

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost........... I Cor. 1:10-17

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost............ I Cor. 3:9-17

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost............ I Cor. 4:9-16

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost. ........ I Cor. 9:2-12

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost. ......... I Cor. 15:1-11

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost. ....... I Cor. 16:13-24

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost....... II Cor. 1:21-2:4

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost. ........ II Cor. 4:6-15

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost. ........ II Cor. 6:1-10

Luke 18:10-14 Luke 15:11-32 Matt. 25:3146 Matt. 6:14-21 John 1:43-51 Mark 2:1-12 John 10:9-16 Mark 8:34-9:1 Mark 9:17-31 Matt. 4:25-5:12 Mark 10:3245 Luke 7:36-50 John 12:1-8 John 1:1-17 John 20:19-25 John 20:19-31 Mark 15:43-16:8 John 5:1-15 John 4:5-42 John 9:1-38 John 17:1-13 John 7:37-52 John 8:12 Matt. 10:32-33 Matt. 10:37-38 Matt. 4:18-23 Matt. 6:22-33 Matt. 8:5-13 Matt. 8:28-9:1 Matt. 9:1-8 Matt. 9:27-35 Matt. 14:14-22 Matt. 14:22-34 Matt. 17:14-23 Matt. 18:23-35 Matt. 19:16-26 Matt. 21:3342 Matt. 22:2-14 Matt. 22:3546 Matt. 25:14-30

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost....... II Cor. 6:16-17:1

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost........ II Cor. 9:6-11

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost. ...... II Cor. 11:31-12:9

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost. ....... Gal. 1:11-19

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost...... Gal. 2:16-20

Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost.... Gal. 6:11-18

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost...... Eph. 2:4-10

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost. . .. Eph. 2:14-22

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost.. ..... Eph. 4:1-7

Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost. ..... Eph.5:8-19

Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost. .. . Eph. 6:10-17

Twenty-eighth Sunday after Pentecost..... Col. 1:12-18

Twenty-ninth Sunday after Pentecost..... Col. 3:4-11

Thirtieth Sunday after Pentecost. ........ Col. 3:12-16

Thirty-first Sunday after Pentecost. ...... I Tim. 1:15-17

Thirty-second Sunday after Pentecost..... I Tim. 4:9-15

Sunday before Exaltation of Cross. ....... Gal. 6:11-18

Sunday after Exaltation of Cross......... Gal. 2:16-20

Sunday before Christmas............... Heb. 11:9-10; 17:40

Sunday after Christmas................ Gal. 1:11-19

Sunday before Epiphany. .............. II Tim. 4:5-8

Sunday after Epiphany................. Eph. 4:7-13

Matt. 15:21-28 Luke 5:1-11 Luke 6:31-36 Luke 7:11-16 Luke 8:5-15 Luke 16:19-31 Luke 8:27-39 Luke 8:41-56 Luke 10:25-37 Luke 12:16-21 Luke 13:10-17 Luke 14:16-24 Luke 17:12-19 Luke 18:18-27 Luke 18:3543 Luke 19:1-10 John 3:13-17 Mark 8:34-38; 9:1 Matt. 1:1-25 Matt. 2:13-23 Mark 1:1-8 Matt. 4:12-17

SUNDAY MATINS GOSPEL READINGS

1. Matt. 28:16-20

2. Mark 16:1-8

3. Mark 16:9-20

4. Luke 24:1-12

5. Luke 24:12-35

6. Luke 24:36-53

7. John 20:1-10

8. John 20:11-18

9. John 20:19-31

10. John 21:1-14

11. John 21:15-25

12 GOSPELS ON THE PASSION OF OUR LORD ON HOLY THURSDAY

1. John 13:31-18:1

2. John 18:1-28

3. Matt. 26:57-75

4. John 18:28-19:16

5. Matt. 27:3-32

6. Mark 15:16-32

7. Matt. 27:34-54

8. Luke 23:3249

9. John 19:25-37

10. Mark 15:43-47

11. John 19:3842

12. Matt. 27:62-66

EPISTLES AND GOSPELS FOR THE DEPARTED

LITURGY

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Epistles

Rom. 14:6-9

1 Cor. 15:39-57

2 Cor. 5:1-10 1 Cor. 15:20-28 1 Cor. 15:46-57 1 Thess. 4:13-17

Gospels

John 5:17-24 John 5:24-30 John 6:35-39 John 6:4044 John 6:48-54 John 5:24-30