Terms Related to Serbian Orthodox Church Structure, Liturgy, Architecture and Practices

Aër (Vazduh): The largest veil covering the holy gifts during or after the Eucharist, symbolizing Christ's shroud.

Agape (Agape): Love feast or the Easter Vespers service celebrating brotherly love in Christ's resurrection.

Ambo (Amvon): The raised platform in the church from where Gospel is read and sermons are delivered.

Anathema (Anafema): A formal ecclesiastical curse or excommunication for heresy or grave sin.

Antidoron (Antidor): Blessed bread distributed to the faithful after communion, for those who did not partake in the Eucharist.

Antimension (Antimins): A consecrated cloth with relics, necessary for performing the Divine Liturgy on an altar.

Apostle (Apostol): Refers to Christ's twelve disciples and also to the New Testament books narrating their deeds.

Autocephalous (Autokefalan): An independent church with its own head, like the Serbian Orthodox Church since 1219.

Axios (Aksios): Shouted to proclaim the worthiness of someone being ordained or honored.

Beatitudes (Blazenstva): Christ's blessings from the Sermon on the Mount, read during services.

Canon (Kanon): Scriptural books, ecclesiastical laws, or hymns sung during services.

Cantor (Podzakonik): Leads the liturgical singing, guiding the choir or congregation.

Chanter (Psalt): Assists in chanting the liturgical services, sometimes less formally than a cantor.

Chrism (Miro): Blessed oil used in baptisms, chrismations, and ordinations.

Chrismation (Mirovanje): The sacrament akin to confirmation, bestowing the Holy Spirit.

Creed (Vevovanje): The Nicene-Constantinople Creed, recited as a statement of faith.

Cross (Krst): Central to worship, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice, often venerated.

Despot (Despot): A liturgical term for a blessing or in historical context, a high secular or ecclesiastical title.

Diaconicon (Djakonikon): A room or area for liturgical items, usually to the left of the altar.

Diptychs (Diptihe): Lists of names commemorated during the liturgy.

Ectenia (Ektenija): Liturgical petitions to which the congregation responds, "Lord, have mercy."

Epistle (Apostol): Letters written to early Christian communities or individuals by Apostles or their associates, found in the New Testament. These texts provide teachings, guidance, and encouragement for Christian life and doctrine.

Epistle Reading (Citanje Apostola): A segment of the Orthodox liturgy where a passage from one of the New Testament epistles is read aloud, typically by a reader or a deacon, to instruct or inspire the faithful.

Eucharist (Evharistija): The central sacrament, also known as Holy Communion or Divine Liturgy.

Fast (Post): Periods of abstinence from certain foods for spiritual preparation.

Great Entrance (Veliki Vhod): Procession during the Liturgy where the gifts are carried to the altar.

Great Feasts (Veliki Praznici): Twelve major feasts in the church calendar celebrating key events.

Holy Doors (Svete Vrata): Central doors in the iconostasis, used by clergy during services.

Holy Week (Veliki Tjedan): The week leading to Easter, with services focused on Christ's Passion.

Icon (Ikona): Sacred images used in worship, often depicting Christ, saints, or biblical events.

Iconostasis (Ikonaostas): The screen of icons separating the nave from the sanctuary.

Incense (Tamjan): Used symbolically in services for prayer and purification.

Kliros (Kliros): Area where the choir or chanters stand.

Liturgy (Liturgija): The main worship service, especially the Eucharist.

Matins (Jutarnje): Morning prayer service, part of the daily cycle of services.

Metania (Metanija): A bow or prostration as an act of reverence.

Naos (Naos): The main body of the church where the congregation stands.

Narthex (Narteks): The entrance hall of the church.

Nave (Crkvena Ladja): The main body of a church where the congregation gathers for worship, situated between the narthex and the sanctuary.

Paraklesis (Paraklis): A service of supplication, often to the Theotokos.

Patericon (Paterikon): Collections of sayings or lives of saints for spiritual guidance.

Paten (Diskos): The plate on which the bread for the Eucharist is placed.

Phosphorus (Fosfor): The eternal light or lamp before the icon of Christ.

Polyeleos (Polilej): An elaborate singing of Psalms 134 and 135 during Matins.

Prayer Rope (Brojanica): Used for counting prayers, similar to a rosary.

Proskomedia (Proskomidija): Preparation of the Eucharistic gifts.

Prosthesis (Prothesis): The table where Proskomedia is performed.

Prosphoron (Prosfor): Bread used in the Eucharist, often marked with a seal.

Reader (Cteč): A layperson who reads the Scriptures during services.

Relics (Mošti): Physical remains or possessions of saints, venerated.

Sacraments (Sveti Misteriji): Seven holy mysteries including Baptism, Eucharist, etc.

Sanctuary (Svetiliste): The area around the altar, behind the iconostasis.

Synaxarion (Sinaksar): A brief account of the saint or event for the day, read during Matins.

Theotokos (Bogorodica): Title for Mary meaning "God-bearer."

Typikon (Tipik): The service book or liturgical calendar.

Vespers (Veče): Evening prayer service, beginning the liturgical day.

Vigil (Bdenje): A service combining Vespers, Matins, and sometimes Liturgy, especially on feasts.

Zadushnice (Zaduznice): Days to remember the departed with special liturgies.

Terms Related to the Clergy

Patriarch (Patrijarh): The supreme head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, based in Belgrade. He is elected by the Holy Synod of Bishops and holds the title of "His Holiness."

Metropolitan (Mitropolit): A bishop with authority over a large ecclesiastical territory or metropolis, ranking below the Patriarch but above other bishops. Addressed as "His Eminence."

Bishop (Episkop): Leads a diocese, responsible for the spiritual oversight, administration, and pastoral care of his flock. Ordained with the fullness of priesthood, they are called "His Grace."

Archimandrite (Arhimandrit): A senior monastic priest, often the abbot of a monastery or an assistant to a bishop. This title is honorific, denoting significant respect and administrative responsibility within the monastic community.

Protopresbyter (Protoprezviter): An honorary title given to married priests who have distinguished themselves in service. They might oversee a larger parish or a group of parishes (deanery).

Protopresbyter Stavrophor (Protoprezviter Stavrofor): A specific honorific for a priest who has been recognized with additional distinction or has taken on significant administrative roles. "Stavrophor" means "cross-bearer," symbolizing the honor of carrying the cross in processions.

Archpriest (Arhijerej): Another honorific title for a priest, typically bestowed for long and meritorious service, without changing the priest's function but signifying recognition.

Priest (Sveštenik): The parish priest who serves the local community, celebrating the Divine Liturgy, administering sacraments, and providing pastoral care. Priests can be married before ordination but not after.

Protodeacon (Protodeakon): An honorary title for a deacon who has served for a significant period or has been recognized for exceptional service.

Archdeacon (Arhidiakon): A senior deacon, often assisting a bishop or metropolitan in liturgical functions and having administrative duties within the diocese.

Deacon (Đakon): Assists priests or bishops during liturgical services, primarily in reading the Gospel, leading litanies, and performing other liturgical functions. Deacons can be married before ordination but not after.

Subdeacon (Podđakon): A minor order, subdeacons assist in liturgical services, particularly in vesting clergy and carrying liturgical items like the processional cross or candles. Often a transitional step before ordination to the diaconate.

Reader (Čteč): A layperson or minor cleric responsible for reading the Psalms, Epistles, and other parts of the service. This is not ordained but is an important liturgical role.

Acolyte (Ministrant): Typically a young boy or male assistant who helps with candles, incense, and other practical aspects of the service. This is not part of the clergy hierarchy but is an important role in the liturgical life of the church.

Terms Realted to Orthodox Liturgical Music

Akathistos Hymn (Akathistos): A long hymn of praise to the Theotokos, sung standing, especially during Great Lent.

Alleluia (Aleluja): Sung before the Gospel reading, consisting of a psalm verse and the repeated word "Alleluia," symbolizing joy and praise.

Antiphon (Antifon): Hymns sung alternately by two choirs or sides of the church, especially at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy.

Apolytikion: A dismissal hymn sung at the end of Vespers or Matins, celebrating the day's saint or feast.

Beatitudes (Blazeni): The blessings from the Sermon on the Mount, which can be sung during Matins in place of the antiphons when there is a Polyeleos.

Canon (Kanon): A series of nine odes, each with troparia, sung mainly at Matins. The canon is based on biblical canticles.

Cherubic Hymn (Heruvimska pesma): Sung during the Great Entrance in the Divine Liturgy, inviting the congregation to spiritually join the angels in worship.

Crkveno Pojanje (Church Chant): This refers to the chants used in liturgical services. There are several styles, but the Serbian chant is particularly distinguished by its connection to the Byzantine musical tradition.

Doxology (Doksologija): A hymn of praise, typically to the Holy Trinity, sung at the end of services or as part of prayers.

Exapostilarion (Eksapostilarion): A hymn sung after the canon at Matins, often related to the theme of the day's celebration.

Heirmos (Irnos): The initial verse of an ode in the canon, setting the melody for the subsequent troparia in that ode.

Kiev Chant: Another chant style that has influenced Serbian liturgical music, characterized by its polyphonic elements.

Kliros: The place in the church where the choir or chanters stand, often on raised platforms or in designated areas.

Kontakion (Kontaki): A hymn similar to the troparion but often longer, with a narrative structure. It's typically sung at Matins after the sixth ode of the canon.

Litany (Ektenija): A series of petitions to which the congregation responds, typically with "Gospodi, pomiluj" (Lord, have mercy).

Narodno Pojanje: The folk-influenced version of Serbian Orthodox liturgical chant, characterized by simpler, more singable melodies that reflect local Serbian folk music traditions, often used in less formal or community settings

Ode: A hymn within the canon, based on biblical canticles.

Osmoglasnik (Octoechos): A book containing the eight tones or modes (glasovi) used in Orthodox chant. Each Sunday of the year is assigned one of these eight tones for its hymns.

Polyeleos: An expanded form of chanting Psalms 134 and 135 during Matins on major feasts, symbolizing great joy and festivity.

Prokeimenon (Prokimen): A psalm verse sung before the reading of the Epistle in the Divine Liturgy, acting as an introduction.

Psalt (Psalma): The cantor or lead chanter who leads the congregation and choir in singing the liturgical hymns.

Slava Hymns: Specific hymns sung during the celebration of the family's patron saint (Slava), which is a significant custom in Serbian Orthodoxy.

Sticheron (Stihira): A type of hymn sung during Vespers or Matins, characterized by its strophic form. Sticheron can be part of the daily cycle of services or specific to feasts.

Theotokion (Bogorodične): A hymn in honor of the Virgin Mary, often sung at the end of a series of hymns or at specific moments in the service.

Trisagion (Trisveto): Literally "thrice holy," this hymn is sung during the Divine Liturgy, invoking the Holy Trinity and asking for mercy.

Troparion (Tropari): A short hymn, one to four lines in length, sung in honor of a feast, saint, or commemoration. Each Sunday, the Resurrectional Troparion corresponds to the tone of the week.

Znamenny Chant: Although more associated with Russian tradition, some Serbian liturgical music might draw from this style, which is one of the oldest forms of Slavic Orthodox chant.

Terms Related to Vestments

Epitrahilj (Epitrachelion): The stole worn by priests and bishops, symbolizing the priestly authority. It's placed over the stihar and around the neck, with two strips hanging down the front.

Epigonation (Palitsa): Another award, similar to the nadbedrenik but diamond-shaped, worn on the right side. It symbolizes readiness for spiritual battle and is typically awarded for confessional ministry.

Engolpion: A medallion or icon of Christ worn by bishops alongside the Panagia, symbolizing the bishop's connection to Christ.

Felon (Phelonion): The outer vestment for priests, a large, conical garment without sleeves, covering from the neck down. It symbolizes the seamless robe of Christ and is worn over all other vestments.

Kamilavka: A cylindrical hat with a veil, worn by some priests and monks, varying in height and decoration based on rank or monastic status.

Mantiya: A long, sleeveless cloak worn by bishops, often during processions or at the beginning of services, signifying humility and readiness for service.

Mitra (Mitre): The ceremonial headwear of bishops, resembling a crown and often adorned with icons. In Serbian tradition, the mitre without a cross on top is for priests who have been awarded this honor.

Nadbedrenik (Nabedrennik): An award garment, it's a stiffened square piece of fabric worn on the left side by priests, signifying the sword of the Spirit from Ephesians 6:17. It's an honor bestowed by the bishop.

Narukvice (Cuffs or Epimanikia): Worn on the wrists to symbolize the spiritual fetters of Christ, reminding the wearer of the need for humility and readiness to serve. They are typically worn by priests and bishops.

Omofor (Omophorion): Exclusively worn by bishops, it's a wide band of cloth symbolizing the lost sheep that Christ carries on His shoulders. It is draped over the shoulders and comes in two forms the great omophorion (worn during the Divine Liturgy) and the small omophorion (worn at other times).

Panagia (Panagija): Title for the Virgin Mary in the Eastern Orthodox Church, meaning "All-Holy" or "Most Holy," emphasizing her purity and holiness. Also refers to a medallion worn by bishops, depicting the Virgin Mary, symbolizing authority and reverence.

Pectoral Cross (Pektoralni krst): Worn by bishops and some priests, it hangs from the neck and symbolizes the priest's commitment to Christ's teachings. Silver for regular use, gold or jeweled ones are awards.

Pojas (Zona): A belt or girdle, signifying the preparation for service and readiness for the work of God. It's worn around the waist over the stihar.

Panagia: A small icon of the Theotokos worn by bishops on the chest, symbolizing their devotion to Mary and her intercessory role.

Sakkos: A vestment exclusive to bishops, resembling a tunic with wide, short sleeves, symbolizing the seamless robe of Christ. It's worn under the omophorion during the Divine Liturgy.

Skufija: A soft, brimless cap worn by clergy and monastics, often black for priests and monastics, with different colors or styles indicating rank or monastic order.

Stihar (Sticharion): The foundational garment for all clergy, similar to a tunic, worn by priests, bishops, and deacons. It symbolizes the purity of baptismal garments. For deacons, it's often more decorative and open at the sides.

Terms Related to Serbian Folk Church Traditions (Narodna Crkvena Tradicija)

Badnjak (Yule Log): On Christmas Eve, known as "Badnji dan" (the day of the Badnjak), families traditionally cut an oak branch or small tree (the badnjak), which is then brought home and burned in the hearth or in front of the house. The burning of the badnjak symbolizes the fire that warmed the cave where Jesus was born. In modern times, smaller badnjak branches are often bought at markets or distributed at churches.

Božić (Christmas): Beyond the Badnjak, Christmas includes customs like the communal meal on Christmas Eve, where traditionally no meat is consumed due to the fasting period. The feast includes fish, beans, and other vegetarian dishes. Straw is spread on the floor to symbolize the manger, and children often mimic the sounds of animals.

Česnica: A special bread baked for Christmas, containing a hidden coin. It's divided among family members, and finding the coin is considered a sign of good luck for the coming year. This tradition blends Christian symbolism with folk beliefs.

Detinjci, Materice, and Oci: The three Sundays before Christmas where children, mothers, and fathers respectively are "kidnapped" and must give gifts to be "released". This playful tradition reflects the communal and familial aspects of Serbian society.

Koleda: A pre-Christian custom where groups of young men, called "koledari", go from house to house, singing special songs and performing rituals for health, wealth, and prosperity. Though discouraged by the Church, some elements still survive in rural areas.

Krsni Hleb (Blessed Bread): Similar to Česnica, this is a bread blessed in church for various occasions, often cut into pieces and shared among the congregation or family, symbolizing unity and blessing.

Krsno Ime (Christened Name): The custom where a child is given a saint's name at baptism, which then becomes the family's Slava, linking personal identity with folk-religious celebration.

Kurban: While more associated with Islamic practice, some Serbian Orthodox families in mixed communities might offer a kurban, a sacrificial meal, on certain occasions, blending folk practices with religious ones.

Položajnik (First Visitor): Early on Christmas morning, the first visitor to a home, often pre-arranged, is believed to bring good fortune for the year. This visitor is greeted with traditional greetings like "Hristos se rodi" (Christ is born), to which the response is "Vaistinu se rodi" (Truly he is born).

Slava: While a religious celebration, Slava has deep roots in folk tradition. Each family celebrates its patron saint's day with a feast, but the practices also include elements like the burning of incense, wheat (žito) for the dead, and the use of traditional Serbian folk music and dance.

Vrbica (Lazarus Saturday): Though a Christian feast, it's celebrated with folk elements, especially in rural areas, where children with willow branches (hence the name Vrbica, meaning "willow") parade in churches, symbolizing the resurrection of Lazarus and the coming of Palm Sunday.

Zapis: An oak tree in a village considered sacred, often with a cross carved into its trunk. It's a place for prayers, especially for good weather or harvest, combining Christian and pre-Christian elements.