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 ...

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...

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...

Block of bedchambers or cells in a monastery. Derived from the Old French word dortour, meaning dormitory.

The main church in an Orthodox monastery, where the major feast days in the liturgical calendar are celebrated. Often has a smaller church in the basement, which can be more easily heated in winter.