Explore the Full Orthodox Christian Glossary
Welcome to our Orthodox Glossary, a comprehensive resource designed to deepen your understanding of the rich theological, liturgical, and spiritual heritage of Orthodox Christianity. Whether you are a lifelong Orthodox believer, a newcomer exploring the faith, or simply curious about the traditions and teachings of the Orthodox Church, this glossary offers concise yet insightful explanations of key concepts, practices, and beliefs. From foundational doctrines such as the Holy Trinity and the Incarnation to the intricacies of liturgical worship, sacraments, and spiritual disciplines, each entry provides valuable insights into the living tradition of Orthodoxy. Explore the depths of Orthodox theology, delve into the beauty of Orthodox worship, and discover the timeless wisdom of the Church Fathers as you journey through this invaluable resource.
How to use this glossary
Follow these steps to move from a quick lookup to deeper reading and teaching. The same flow works on desktop or mobile.
- Scan the alphabetized list: Scroll or search for the term you need, then tap it to expand the summary in place.
- Open the dedicated page: Follow the linked concept page for full definitions, pastoral notes, and connected vocabulary.
- Pair with study tools: Save key terms, print pages for classes, and connect them with the Orthodox Concepts guide.
Glossary quick answers
- How is this glossary organized?
- Terms are alphabetized and linked to dedicated pages so you can skim summaries and open deeper explanations when ready.
- Can I trust these definitions for teaching?
- Each entry mirrors Orthodox sources and is paired with related concepts so catechists, students, and inquirers can reference them responsibly.
- What if a term feels unfamiliar?
- Use the search inside the glossary explorer, then click through to see pastoral context, cross-references, and recommended readings.
See every term at a glance
Tap a term to view its summary, then follow the detailed page link for extended reading, cross-references, and study tips.
All terms
Select a term to read its summary
Term spotlight
Aer
A large veil used to cover the chalice and paten during the Divine Liturgy, representing the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit and the hidden mystery of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.
Looking for context?
Visit our Orthodox Concepts guide to see how these terms appear throughout Scripture, worship, and daily life.
Prefer offline reading?
Open any term's dedicated page, print it for a study binder, or share it with catechumens and friends exploring Orthodox Christianity.