The Liturgical Dictionary of the Eastern Christianity

This reference contains the liturgical terms used by the Orthodox and Eastern Christian Churches.

During its history, Orthodoxy has divided into independent national and social groupings, such as Syrian, Russian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Greek and Georgian, all recognizing the primacy of the Patriarch of Constantinople.

Other churches that variously refused to accept the decisions of the Coucils of Ephesus (431 AD) and Chalcedon (451 AD) are often referred to as the Eastern or Oriental Churches.

They include the Coptic, Ethiopian, Armenian, Nestorian and several Syrian Churches.

The Maronite and Uniate Churches, which recognize the primacy of Rome, are also known as Eastern Churches.

To the Orthodox and Eastern mind, the Liturgy, which encompasses the sacramental life of the Church, is the very focal point of worship, celebrated in the power of the Spirit, and seen as the meeting together of heaven and earth.

The aim of this dictionary is to provide its readers with an easy facility in dealing with the intricacies of Orthodox and Eastern Christian terms used in the celebration and administration of the sacraments. The book is arranged in two parts, the "dictionary" proper and the "quick reference guide" at the end, which is intended to allow instant access to the major entries, and overcomes the problem of having first to know the correct Eastern term before consulting the main entry.

The frequent cross-referencing should help the user to explore the Eastern liturgical families in an easy way, and should provide both professionals and lay people with an essential tool for their quest.

Peter Day is the author of "Eastern Christian Liturgies".