Eastern Orthodox vocab

rites, workers, etc

Bishop

Leader of multiple churches

Cantor

A religious singer who assists the clergy and the priest.

Censer

An incense burner used in religious rites and ceremonies.

Crucifier

Carries the Crucifix during ecclesiastical procession.

Deacon

A subordinate officer

Divine Liturgy

Liturgical celebration of the Eucharist.

Icon

A holy picture; usually mosaic or painted on wood.

Iconostasis

The partition that extends across the front of the church. Separates the sanctuary from the solea.

Last Kiss

Physical contact with the deceased and Icon during the final pass by the casket.

Panachida

A rubric for funeral services.

Priest

A title conferred upon one who has been ordained.

Priest Casket

aka Slip Panel

A casket with a head end that comes completely off instead of hinging open. Allows the deceased to be viewed from both sides.

Procession

The movement, in an orderly fashion, at the beginning of a funeral.

Recession

The movement, in an orderly fashion, at the end of a funeral.

Solea

The open (sometimes raised) area before the altar.

Royal Doors

Doors in the center of the Iconostasis leading directly to the altar.

Only ordained clergy may pass these doors.

Trisagion

3 short blessings that occur during a funeral.