GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Altar – A large table in the sanctuary of a church that is used by the priest during services. The tabernacle is kept on the altar.     

Bible - The sacred scriptures of Christians. The bible is composed of the Old Testament; covering the time before Christ was born; and the New Testament, which covers the time after Christ was born.          

Censer or kadilo - A covered incense burner often hanging on a chain. It is swung by the priest at specified times during a liturgy.              

Chalice –  A tall cup used to hold sacramental wine during the Eucharist. It often has icons enameled or engraved on them, as well as a cross.

Confessional - A small, enclosed booth used for the Sacrament of Penance, often called confession      

Crucifix - A representation of Christ on the cross.        

Gospel stand - A book stand used to hold the gospel book as it is being read.     

Holy water font - A basin at the entrance of a church or home containing holy water for Catholics to dip their fingers into before making the Sign of the Cross on entering or leaving.        

Icon – A stylized religious picture typically painted onto a wooden panel.      

Iconostas - A screen or grating that separates the sanctuary from the body (nave) of the church. In Greek, iconostas means “icon stand."

The iconostas has three doors: the royal doors in the center which are used by the priest during some ceremonies; and two deacon’s doors which are located on either side of the royal doors. On the iconostas are icons of Jesus Christ, Mary, saints and Biblical Scenes.     

Incense - A spice or resin that is burned during a liturgical service to give off a sweet, flowery, or spicy fragrance.

Kneeler - A low platform, often padded, that is used for kneeling in church.                 

Mnohaya Lita - Literally means "Many Years". This is traditionally sung for special occasions to express best wishes.              

Myrovania – Myrovania is the blessing we receive on our forehead in the sign of a cross with Holy oil. When you approachthe priest for anointing, cross yourself, and

if he is holding the hand cross, you are to kiss it. The priest will say, “Christ is among us" and you would reply, “He is and always will be." Often, blessed cubes of bread called antidoron are consumed after the anointing.             

Nave – The main section of a church.   

Parable – A short story that illustrates a moral. Jesus told many parables to instruct his followers.

Paska – A rich Easter bread that is usually round with a glossy designed top.       

Paten – In the Latin Rite, a plate, usually made of precious metal, used to carry the bread at the Eucharist. In Eastern Churches it is called a diskos (Greek for “disk”) and it usually has a short stand attached.

Pew - A long bench with a back used for seating in churches. In the past, most churches had no pews and people either stood or knelt during the service.            

Plaschenycia - A holy shroud having a picture of Christ. This shroud is venerated from Good Friday until Easter matins.             

Prokimen - A verse from the Old Testament.     

Pulpit - An elevated enclosure used for preaching or announcements during a liturgical service.                

Pysanky - Easter eggs that are intricately hand painted. This symbol dates back to pagan times in Ukraine when the painted egg represented the resurrection of nature to a new life at the beginning of springtime. 

Sanctuary – The part of a church that surrounds the altar. Also called the apse.     

Steeple – A tower on a church which is usually topped by a cross.        

Tabernacle – An ornate large vessel, usually made of wood or polished metal and shaped like a church, that is used to hold consecrated hosts on the altar.

Tetrapod – A small table that stands in front of the iconostas. Tetrapod means “four feet” in Greek. A cross, candles and an icon are typically placed on the tetrapod.    

Tropar (Troparion) - A short song describing the deeds and the virtues of Jesus, Mary, or Saints.            

Vespers - A church service performed in the evening usually of a major holy day.            

Vestibule – A room or area near the main entrance of a church building.             

Votive Lights – Lit candles or electric lights that are symbolic of the continuation of a prayer that has been said.