Names and Titles

Translation of names used in Orthodox liturgical texts can cause difficulties for two reasons:

  1. The Greek version of the name may be different from the version of the name that already exists in the Receptor language. For example, English translations of the Hebrew Old Testament use the names Elijah, Isaiah and Joshua, but English translations of the Greek Old Testament use the names Elias, Isaias and Jesus for the very same people. A liturgical translator must choose whether to use a version of the name that is already familiar to speakers of the Receptor Language, or whether to use a version of the name that is more literally faithful to the Greek pronunciation of that name.
  2. There are titles which some languages translate, but other languages transliterate. For example, Saint John who was Archbishop of Constantinople and lived from 347 to 407, is known in Greek as Χρυσόστομος Hrysostomos which means “Golden-mouth.” In Slavonic his title is translated as Златоу́ст Zlatoust which also means “Golden-mouth.” Many other languages also translate his title into a word meaning “golden-mouth.” However, in English and in some other languages his title is usually transliterated as Chrysostom rather than translated.

EXAMPLES:

The Lash translations sometimes use versions of names that are more literally faithful to the Greek pronunciation. Dedes translations usually use versions that are more familiar to English speakers.

  1. Σιὼν Sion is usually translated into English as Zion.
    LASH: Wise architect of the spiritual tabernacle, who carve out the tables of grace, having written down the new law which comes forth from Sion and is proclaimed through you. (Vespers Stichera for the Apostle Luke, October 18)
    DEDES: skillful builder of the Lord'’s noetic Tabernacle; * inscriber of the tablets of the grace of God; * recorder of the new and holy Law of God, * which out of Zion has come to us * and was proclaimed to the world through you.
  2. Ἡσαΐας Isaias is usually translated into English as Isaiah
    LASH: …revealed as bosom and beloved friend, as mighty-voiced Isaias and Moses who saw God. (Glory at the Vesperal Aposticha for St John the Theologian, May 8)
    DEDES: …showing that you were a beloved bosom friend of Christ, like Isaiah with his resounding voice, and Moses who saw God.
  3. Hλίας Ilias is usually translated into English as Elijah. Ἐλισσαῖος Ilissaios is usually translated into English as Elisha.
    LASH: …Jordan turned back when it received through Elissaios the mantle of Elias… (Glory at the Vesperal Aposticha for the Forefeast of Theophany, Jan 2)
    DEDES: Elijah, you were taken into the heights, * and you left to Elisha a double portion of the grace * of the Holy Spirit… (Ode 9 of the Matins Canon for the Prophet Elijah, July 20)
  4. Ἰησοῦς τὸν τοῦ Ναυῆ Iisous of Navi is usually translated into English as Joshua [son] of Nun.
    LASH: …Jesus son of Navi… (Vespers Aposticha for September 1)
    DEDES: …Joshua, the son of Nun…