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Rural community or trading centre in medieval Russia, later became the name for an administrative district or a small settlement with a church and a graveyard. Derived from the Russian word for “gues...
Honorary title of the largest and most important Orthodox monasteries, subordinated directly to the patriarch. Derived from the Greek laura, meaning a “narrow lane” or “passageway,” originally applie...
Deputy appointed to act as abbot in some Russian Orthodox monasteries under the direct supervision of the Church primate.
Holy relic consisting of a piece of cloth upon which an image of the face of Jesus was miraculously imprinted, making it the first icon. Also known as the image of Edessa.
Raised space in front of the iconostasis reserved for the choir, the readers and the assisting priests during the church service. Derived from the Greek kleros, meaning “lot,” because those who read ...
Sponsor or provider of funds for the construction or reconstruction of an Orthodox monastery, or for the painting of icons, frescoes and other works of art. Derived from the Greek ktitor, meaning “fo...
Citadel or fortified compound found in many historical Russian cities, such as Moscow, Novgorod, Pskov and Smolensk.
Form of monasticism in which monks pursue separate lives of private prayer and asceticism, only meeting on major feast days. Derived from the Greek idios (“particular”) and rhythmos (“rule” or “disci...
Liturgical book containing the portions of the Gospels read during Mass or in the public offices of the Church.
Settlement where a hermit or a small group of monks live in seclusion from the world. Traditionally located in caves and huts, often in the desert or woods, but sometimes adjoining a cenobitic monast...