Церковный справочник

Divine services

Akathist

A hymn of praise in twenty-five parts, listened to standing — the word itself means 'not sitting'. Usually read at a moleben.

Divine services

All-night vigil

The evening service on the eve of Sundays and great feasts — Vespers, Matins and the First Hour together. Despite the name it lasts two or three hours, not all night.

Church utensils

Altar cross

The cross lying permanently on the altar table beside the Gospel, used to bless the people and offered to them to kiss.

Church utensils

Altar Gospel book

The service Gospel in a heavy metal cover, kept on the altar table and carried out at the Little Entrance.

The church building

Altar (sanctuary)

The eastern part of the church behind the iconostasis, containing the holy table; entered only by clergy and servers.

Clergy and ranks

Altar server

A layman who assists in the altar by the rector's blessing — preparing the censer and carrying candles; he holds no rank.

The church building

Altar table (holy table)

The four-sided table in the middle of the sanctuary on which the Liturgy is celebrated — the chief holy thing of the church.

The church building

Ambo

The semicircular projection of the solea opposite the Royal Doors, from which the litanies, Gospel and sermon are given.

Church utensils

Analogion

A tall stand with a sloping top: it holds the icon of the day, books for reading, and the cross and Gospel at confession.

Divine services

Anaphora (Eucharistic canon)

The central prayer of the Liturgy, during which the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. It lasts ten to fifteen minutes.

Parish practice

Antidoron

Pieces of the loaf from which the Lamb was cut, distributed at the end of the Liturgy.

Church utensils

Antimension

A silk cloth showing the burial of Christ, signed by the ruling bishop and containing a relic; without it no Liturgy may be served.

Books and chant

Antiphon

A chant sung alternately by two choirs from the two kliroi; at the Liturgy the antiphons open the service.

Ranks of sanctity

Apostle

A disciple sent out by Christ to preach: first of all the Twelve and the Apostle Paul; Peter and Paul are called the chief apostles.

Ranks of sanctity

Apostle of the Seventy

One of the seventy disciples sent out to preach besides the Twelve — among them the evangelists Mark and Luke.

Vestments

Apostolnik

The monastic veil covering head, neck and shoulders — the constant dress of a nun.

Books and chant

Apostolos (Book of the Apostle)

The liturgical book of Acts and the Epistles, read aloud before the Gospel at the Liturgy.

The church building

Apse

The rounded projection on the east wall of a church that houses the sanctuary.

Clergy and ranks

Archbishop

A bishop given an honorary senior title; it adds no new degree, and the only visible sign is a cross on the klobuk.

Clergy and ranks

Archimandrite

The highest title of a monastic priest, above hegumen and below bishop; he serves in a mitre but cannot ordain.

Clergy and ranks

Archpriest

The title of a senior married priest — an award for years of service, not a further degree; most rectors are archpriests.

Parish practice

Artos

The large Paschal loaf that stands in church all Bright Week and is broken up and distributed on Saturday.

Church utensils

Asterisk

Two metal arcs joined crosswise, set over the diskos so the cover does not disturb the particles beneath.