In Orthodox monasteries, prior to the start of any service, we strike a large, wooden plank, known as the talanton (klepalo), in such a way as to reproduce the name of Adam. The two syllables of the name “Adam”, in other words, provide the basic beat by which the talanton is rhythmically and repeatedly struck: “A-dam, A-dam, A-dam.” By striking the talanton in this way, the sacristan is calling Adam home from his long exile. He is in effect announcing to the whole monastery, and to all the earth and to heaven itself, that the gates of paradise, which once were closed, are now open.

Archimandrite Aimilianos of Simonopetra
From the book “The Way of the Spirit”