Written account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Generally refers to the four canonical books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Structural element resembling the hollow upper half of a sphere. Russian churches commonly have onion domes, which are larger in diameter than the drum.

Monk who has been ordained to the priesthood or a priest who has become a novice. Derived from the Greek ieromonachos.

Pointed polygonal spire in the form of a pyramid, widely used in Russian church architecture in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Has more in common with Gothic steeples than anything in Byzan...

Initially, a settlement freed from various taxes and levies. Developed into ordinary villages, townships or suburban settlements, often located directly outside the city or monastery walls. Derived f...