Glossary

 

Archontariki: (αρχονταρίκι) A room in the monastery or skete were guests are welcome. The room is always well decorated (according to the monastic traditions) with icons, photos, nice furniture etc. Guests are invariably treated with fresh water, a sweet in a small plate and raki (a fierce spirit made of what is left from crushed grapes used to make wine. A close relative of raki is the well known greek spirit ouzo).

Arsanas: (αρσανάς) building on the edge of the sea, used to keep and/or to make repairs on small boats

Hierarchy of monastic places: top is the Monastrery, then the Skete, the Kelli, the Kalyva, the Kathisma and finally and least the Isichastirion.

Isichastirion: It is a small accommodation in rugged and inaccessible areas where the monk does a very strict exercise. Usually his food is provided by other monks or lay people.

Kalyva (pl. Kalyves) (καλύβα/καλύβες) monastic institution, the size of a very small house belonging to a Skete, smaller than a Kelli.

Kathisma (Κάθισμα) monastic institution, the size of a very small house with no land given to it. The monk living there pays to the monastery or to the skete to which is dependent for his food. A Kathisma is lesser to a Kalyva.

Katholikon: (Καθολικόν) The Catholicon, the major church building, the primary church of a monastery.

Kelli (pl. Kellia): (κελλί/κελλιά) monastic institution, the size of a house (sometimes quite large) belonging to a Skete, with its own church, smaller than a Skete and bigger than a Kalyva. Typically there is land around the Kelli, and the profits from its cultivation go to the monk - owner of the Kelli. In Mount Athos there are approximately 140 Kellia.

Krini (pl. Krinai): (Κρήνη/Κρίναι) elaborate fountain inside or just ouside (near the gate) of a monastery to be used by visitors and monks.

Phiale: (Φιάλη) ceremonial fountain for the blessing of the water. Always in the inner yard of the monastery. A swallow basin standing on a foot. Usually made of marble. Above the basin there is a cupola standing on pillars.

Semantron: (Σήμαντρον) a metal or wooden percussion instrument used to summon the monastics to prayer or some other task or procession.

Skete: (Σκήτη) monastic institution belonging to a monastery. In Mount Athos are twelve Sketes. A skete is smaller than a monastery and bigger than a Kelli.

Trapeza: (Τράπεζα) the refectory

Templon: (Τέμπλον)  originally a screen, later a more complicate structure made of wood or marble and covered with icons, separating the nave from the sanctuary.