I was once told that there was a special word that means cleaning and preparing a church for service.?

Question

I believe I also heard the word mentioned in an Inspector Morse episode.

Answer 1

I think the word you're looking for is parasceve (also paraskeve or paraskeva). The term was used by Greek Jews and got picked up by Greek Christian authors.

Prosabbaton has a similar meaning, but refers more to the day itself than it does to preparations made on that day.

Answer 2

Liturgical preparations
Liturgical Service preparation
Pre liturgical rites