Ascetic community combining features of both cenobitic and idiorrhythmic monasticism, usually consisting of a number of small cells or caves with a centralised church or chapel. The word possibly der...

Vestry or premises where the sacred vessels, vestments and other religious valuables are stored. Usually located inside the church, but can also be an annexe or a separate building.

Populated area outside a kremlin or, less often, a monastery, usually inhabited by craftsmen and merchants. Later developed into small urban settlements or independent townships.

Small wall dividing the altar or chancel from the rest of the church. Introduced into Orthodox churches before the fifteenth century.

Wall of religious paintings, usually separating the nave from the sanctuary in a church. The central doors are called the holy gates and lead to the altar. Derived from the Greek eikonostasion, meani...