Byzantine icon glossary
AcheiropoietosAn icon made not by ordinary human hands, but rather by divine intervention (e.g., the icon depicting the Virgin and Child painted by Saint Luke). |
Anastasis (Harrowing of Hell)The Resurrection of Christ, which in Byzantine art depicts Christ descending into the Underworld and triumphing over death. |
ApseA vaulted semi-circular termination of a church. |
ArchA curved spanning of an opening. |
Barrel-vaulted roofA continuous semi-circular roof. |
Church FathersThe most respected ancient Christian writers, considered guardians of the Christian tradition. |
Conch |
Cross-in-squareThe most widely spread Byzantine church plan. Cross-inscribed, with nine bays, with the centre bay a large, domed square. |
CupolaA high vault. |
DodekaortonFrom the Greek for the number twelve (dodeka) and feasts (eortes); the main twelve feasts in the Christian liturgical calendar. |
DomeVault on a circular base. |
GiottesqueA word used to describe style resembling to and/or imitating works produced by Giotto. |
HermitA monk or nun living a solitary life. |
HodegetriaThe archetypal type of the Virgin and Child. |
HomiliesSingular form, homily. An ecclesial discourse, commonly part of a liturgical service. |
IconographyFrom the Greek word eikonographía, lit. ‘writing in images’. The subject matter of Byzantine works of art. |
Iconostasis |
IdolsStatues of ancient Greek and Roman gods; Christians refused to worship them since they believed they represented false gods. |
Koimesis (Dormition) of the VirginThe Dormition of the Virgin celebrated on 15th August. According to the Christian Church the Virgin went to sleep, she did not die. |
LentThe first Sunday in Lent is forty days before Good Friday; as it is depending on Easter, this Sunday does not have a fixed day in the liturgical calendar. |
Madre della ConsolazioneIconographic type of the Virgin and Child. |
MaphorionA piece of clothing covering the head and shoulders of women. |
Micro-mosaicSmall-scale mosaic. |
NarthexIn Byzantine churches, this is the space preceding the nave. |
NaveThe main part of a church. |
NicheA vertical and usually arched recess in a wall. |
PantokratorThe depiction of Christ as the ‘All Ruler’, usually placed at the dome, the highest point of a Byzantine church. |
PendentiveTriangular segment of a sphere, bordered by arches supporting the base of a circular dome. |
PietaIconography depicting the Virgin with the dead Christ on her lap. |
ProskynetariaSingular form, proskynetarion. A stand where icons are placed for the faithful to worship. |
SacramentA Christian rite. |
SanctuaryThe easternmost part in a Byzantine church, and where the altar is situated. |
SerenissimaThe city of Venice, known as the ‘Most Serene Republic’. |
Squinch |
StyliteAn ascetic monk who lived on a platform at the top of a column (from the Greek word stylos), connected to the ground by a ladder. |
TemplonA stone screen that separates the sanctuary from the nave (see also iconostasis) |
VaultAn arched ceiling or roof. |