Church titles
Orthodox Church
The following hierarchy is observed:
Bishops:
1. Patriarchs, Archbishops, Metropolitans - Heads of Local Churches.
The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople should be called Your Holiness. Other Eastern Patriarchs should be addressed either as Your Holiness or as Your Beatitude in the third person
2. Metropolitans who are a) heads of Autocephalous Churches, b) members of the Patriarchate. In the latter case, they are members of the Synod or head one or more archiepiscopal dioceses.
3. Archbishops (same as point 2).
Metropolitans and archbishops should be addressed with the words Your Eminence
4. Bishops – administrators of the diocese – 2 dioceses.
5. Bishops – vicars – one diocese.
To the bishops, Your Eminence, Your Grace and Your Lordship. If the Head of the Local Orthodox Church is a metropolitan and archbishop, then it is appropriate to address him, Your Beatitude.
Priests:
1. Archimandrites (usually head monasteries, then they are called abbots of the monastery or governors).
2. Archpriests (usually deans and rectors of churches in large cities in this rank), protopresbyter - rector of the Patriarchal Cathedral.
3. Abbots.
To the archimandrites, archpriests, abbots - Your Reverence
4. Hieromonks.
To the hieromonks, priests - Your Reverence.
1. Archdeacons.
2. Protodeacons.
3. Hierodeacons.
4. Deacons.
Deacons are named according to their rank.
Roman Catholic Church
The order of precedence is as follows:
1. Pope (Roman pontiff (lat. Pontifex Romanus), or supreme sovereign pontiff (Pontifex Maximus)). Simultaneously possesses three inseparable functions of power. The Monarch and Sovereign of the Holy See, as the successor of St. Peter (the first Bishop of Rome), is the head of the Roman Catholic Church and its supreme hierarch, the sovereign of the Vatican City State.
The Pope should be addressed as "Holy Father" or "Your Holiness" in the third person.
2. Legates - cardinals representing the Pope, who are entitled to royal honors;
3. Cardinals, equal in rank to princes of the blood; Cardinals are appointed by the Pope. They, like bishops, govern dioceses or hold positions in the Roman Curia. From the 11th century Cardinals elect the Pope.
The cardinal should be addressed as "Your Eminence" or "Your Lordship" in the third person
4. Patriarch. In Catholicism, the rank of patriarch is mainly held by the hierarchs who head the Eastern Catholic Churches with the status of patriarchy. In the West, the title is rarely used, with the exception of the heads of the Venice and Lisbon Metropolises, who historically bear the title of patriarch, the Jerusalem Patriarch of the Latin Rite, as well as the titular Patriarchs of the Eastern and Western Indies (the latter has been vacant since 1963).
Patriarchs - the heads of the Eastern Catholic Churches - are elected by the synod of bishops of a given Church. After the election, the Patriarch is immediately enthroned, after which he asks for communion (church communion) from the Pope (this is the only difference between the patriarch and the supreme archbishop, whose candidacy is approved by the Pope). In the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, the patriarchs of the Eastern Churches are equated to cardinal bishops.
During the official introduction, the Patriarch must be introduced as “His Beatitude, (Name and Surname) Patriarch of (Location).” In person he should be addressed as "Your Beatitude" (except in Lisbon, where he is addressed as "His Eminence"), or on paper as "His Beatitude, the Most Reverend (Name and Surname) Patriarch of (Location)".
5. The Supreme Archbishop (lat. archiepiscopus maior) is the metropolitan who heads the Eastern Catholic Church with the status of the supreme archbishopric. The Supreme Archbishop, although he is of lower rank than the Patriarch of the Eastern Catholic Church, is in all respects equal to him in rights. The supreme archbishop elected by his Church is confirmed by the Pope. If the Pope does not approve the candidacy of the Supreme Archbishop, new elections are held.
The Supreme Archbishops are members of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.
6. Archbishop - senior (commanding) bishop. In the Roman Catholic Church, archbishops are divided into:
Archbishops heading archdioceses that are not provincial centers;
Personal archbishops, to whom this title is assigned by the Pope personally;
Titular archbishops occupying the see of now-defunct ancient cities and serving in the Roman Curia or being nuncios.
Primates. In the Roman Catholic Church, a primate is an archbishop (less commonly a suffragan or bishop-exempt) who is awarded primacy over other bishops of an entire country or historical region (in political or cultural terms). This primacy under canon law does not confer any additional powers or authority in relation to other archbishops or bishops. The title is used in Catholic countries as an honorific. The title of primate can be given to the hierarch of one of the oldest metropolises in the country. Primates are often elevated to the rank of cardinal and are often given the presidency of the national conference of bishops. In this case, the main city of the diocese may no longer be as important as when it was created, or its borders may no longer correspond to national ones. Primates rank below the supreme archbishop and patriarch, and within the College of Cardinals do not enjoy seniority.
Metropolitans. In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, a metropolitan is the head of an ecclesiastical province consisting of dioceses and archdioceses. The metropolitan must be an archbishop, and the center of the metropolis must coincide with the center of the archdiocese. On the contrary, there are archbishops who are not metropolitans - these are suffragan archbishops, as well as titular archbishops. Suffragan bishops and archbishops head their dioceses, which are part of the metropolitanate. Each of them has direct and complete jurisdiction over his diocese, but the metropolitan may exercise limited supervision over it in accordance with canon law.
The metropolitan usually presides over any services in the metropolitan area in which he participates, and also consecrates new bishops. The Metropolitan is the first instance to which diocesan courts can appeal. The metropolitan has the right to appoint an administrator of the diocese in cases where, after the death of the ruling bishop, the church is not able to legally elect an administrator.
7. Bishop (Greek - “supervisor”, “supervisor”) - a person who has the third, highest degree of priesthood, otherwise a bishop. Episcopal consecration (ordination) must be performed by several bishops, at least two, except in special cases. As the high priest, the bishop can perform all sacred rites in his diocese: exclusively he has the right to ordain priests, deacons, and lower clergy, and consecrate antimensions. The name of the bishop is exalted during divine services in all churches of his diocese.
Every priest has the right to perform divine services only with the blessing of his ruling bishop. All monasteries located on the territory of his diocese are also subordinate to the bishop. According to canon law, the bishop disposes of all church property independently or through proxies. In Catholicism, the bishop has the prerogative to perform not only the sacrament of the priesthood, but also anointing (confirmation).
Archbishops and bishops are addressed as “Your Excellency” or “Your Grace” in the second person. In some parts of Canada, especially in the West, the Archbishop is usually addressed as "His Eminence".
8. Priest - a minister of a religious cult. In the Catholic Church, priests are considered to be the second degree of priesthood. The priest has the right to perform five of the seven sacraments, with the exception of the sacrament of priesthood (ordination) and the sacrament of confirmation (which the priest has the right to perform only in exceptional circumstances). Priests are ordained by the bishop. The priests are divided into monastics (black clergy) and diocesan priests (white clergy). In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, celibacy is required for all priests.
During formal introductions, the religious priest must be introduced as "Reverend Father (Name) of (community name)." In person he should be addressed as "Father (Surname)", simply "Father", "padre" or "prete", and on paper as "Reverend Father (First Name Patronymic Last Name), (the initials of his community).
9. Deacon (Greek - “minister”) - a person serving in the church at the first, lowest degree of the priesthood. Deacons assist priests and bishops in performing divine services, and independently perform some sacraments. The service of a deacon adorns the service, but is not obligatory - the priest can serve alone.
Among bishops, priests and deacons in the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, seniority is also determined depending on the date of their ordination.
10. Accolyte (Latin acolythus - accompanying, serving) - a layman performing a certain liturgical service. His duties include lighting and carrying candles, preparing bread and wine for the Eucharistic consecration, and a number of other liturgical functions.
To denote the service of an acolyte, as well as the state itself and the corresponding rank, the concept of acolyte is used.
11. Reader (Lecturer) - a person who reads the word of God during the liturgy. As a rule, lecturers are third-year seminarians or ordinary laymen appointed by the bishop.
12. Ministerate (Latin “ministrans” - “serving”) - a layman who serves the priest during Mass and other services.
ORGANIST
CHORISTS
MONSKS
FAITHFUL
Lutheran Church
1. Archbishop;
2. land bishop;
3. bishop;
4. kirchenpresident (church president);
5. general superintendent;
6. superintendent;
7. propst (dean);
8. pastor;
9. vicar (deputy, assistant pastor).
Your Eminence addresses the Archbishop (head of the Church). To the rest - Mister Bishop, etc.
You should always first find out the name, title and form of address of the person or persons with whom you are going to meet.
There are different types of titles and certain rules for titling and special treatment.
Royal titles
Kings should be addressed: Mister (Sir) or Your Majesty; to the queens - Mistress (Madam) or Your Majesty.
Princes - Royal Highness.
Noble titles
In Europe, the recognized titles are prince, duke, marquis, earl, viscount and baron. Their carriers are always given preference as a matter of politeness. The titles of the nobility are always mentioned when introduced.
Official titles
In all countries of the world, it is customary to title persons holding prominent political, government and military positions, as well as heads of diplomatic missions, in accordance with their position.
When formally introduced, the titles of members of the government, chairmen and deputy chairmen of the chambers of parliament are always mentioned. In some countries, civil servants, including senior officials, have official titles, and these titles also apply to their wives. In other countries, former ministers or heads of chambers, as well as retired senior officials, retain their previous titles.
Scientific titles
In many countries, especially Germany and England, the title of doctor is given to everyone with a university and medical education, except for holders of lower degrees, such as M.A.. In France, the term refers only to doctors. In France, England and Germany, university professors are titled according to their rank ( Monsieur le Professor, Professor Jones, Herr Doktor). In the United States, when addressing a doctor, the honorific title Doctor is usually omitted. However, this title is mentioned when greeting: Dear Dr. Smith.
Appeal Your Excellency as a courtesy, it is used even in countries where the use of titles is not customary, in relation to high-ranking figures (church, state, political).
Church titles
Orthodox Church
The following hierarchy is observed:
Bishops:
1. Patriarchs, Archbishops, Metropolitans - Heads of Local Churches.
2. Metropolitans who are a) heads of Autocephalous Churches, b) members of the Patriarchate. In the latter case, they are members of the Synod or head one or more archiepiscopal dioceses.
3. Archbishops (same as point 2).
4. Bishops - administrators of the diocese - 2 dioceses.
5. Bishops - vicars - one diocese.
Priests:
1. Archimandrites (usually head monasteries, then they are called abbots of the monastery or governors).
2. Archpriests (usually deans and rectors of churches in large cities in this rank), protopresbyter - rector of the Patriarchal Cathedral.
3. Abbots.
4. Hieromonks.
Deacons:
1. Archdeacons.
2. Protodeacons.
3. Hierodeacons.
4. Deacons.
Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church is a centralized organization. One must know its hierarchy well in order to understand the organizational structure of other Christian Churches that use titles of similar origin. The order of precedence is as follows:
1. legates - cardinals representing the Pope, who are entitled to royal honors;
2. cardinals, equal in rank to princes of the blood;
3. Vatican representatives, nuncios, internuncios and apostolic delegates;
4. other prelates, whose seniority is determined by their title; patriarchs, primates, archbishops and bishops. Archbishops and bishops in their dioceses have seniority above all other clergy of equal rank, except for diplomatic representatives of the Vatican;
5. vicars general and chapters are superior in seniority to all other clergy, except bishops;
6. parish priests.
Among bishops, priests and deacons in the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, seniority is also determined depending on the date of their ordination.
Addresses and titles
Orthodox Church
The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople should be called Your Holiness. Other Eastern Patriarchs should be contacted or Your Holiness, or Your Beatitude in the third person. Metropolitans and archbishops must be addressed with words Yours Eminence, to the bishops Your Eminence, Your Grace And Your Mightiness.
To the archimandrites, archpriests, abbots - Your Reverence, to hieromonks, priests - Your Reverence.
If the Head of the Local Orthodox Church is a metropolitan and archbishop, then it is appropriate to address him Your Beatitude.
Roman Catholic Church
The Pope should be contacted Holy father or Your Holiness in the third person. The cardinal should be contacted Eminence And Your Mightiness in the third person. Archbishops and bishops are addressed Excellency or Your Mightiness in the second person. Other members of the clergy are named according to their rank.
Lutheran Church
1. Archbishop;
2. land bishop;
3. bishop;
4. kirchenpresident (church president);
5. general superintendent;
6. superintendent;
7. propst (dean);
8. pastor;
9. vicar (deputy, assistant pastor).
The Archbishop (head of the Church) is addressed Your Eminence. To the rest - Mister Bishop etc.
Anglican Church in Great Britain
It has the official status of a state Church. The hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church is preserved: archbishops, bishop, suffragan bishop, dean, archdeacon, canon, prebendary, dean, pastor, vicar, curate and deacon. Archbishops have the right, like dukes, to appeal His Grace, bishops, like peers, - Lord. Both have seats in the House of Lords. Sir used when addressing clergy up to the rank of prebendary. The remaining representatives of the church hierarchy are called Reverend, followed by the first and last name. If they are Doctors of Theology, the title is added Doctor.
Depending on the religion, different forms of title are used. A priest of the Anglican Church is called Reverend James Jones; Catholic priest will be called Reverend Father Jones, without mentioning his name. In the English protocol, Anglican archbishops and bishops are assigned strictly defined places.
In England, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York follow in seniority the dukes, members of the royal family, and bishops, in accordance with the date of their consecration, follow the younger sons of the marquesses. The seniority of representatives of other Churches is not established.
In Scotland, the Lord High Commissioner of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland at the meetings of the latter follows in seniority the sovereign queen or her husband. The Chairman (Moderator) of the General Assembly is next in seniority to the Lord Chancellor of Great Britain.
In Northern Ireland, the Primates of Ireland and other archbishops, as well as the Chairman (Moderator) of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, are senior in seniority to the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
Junior church ministers do not have protocol seniority.
Clergy in the USA
Among the various churches existing in the United States, there is a hierarchy of dignitaries that is basically the same for all Churches. It is clear that, taking into account specific conditions, it is possible to determine the order of precedence that should be observed among representatives of the same rank of different communities. If we turn to generally accepted protocol norms, then the first place should be divided between dignitaries of the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches, to which the majority of parishioners belong. The dignitaries of other communities follow them, but there are no firm rules on this matter.
In the United States, where the Protestant Churches are numerous and the majority of the population are Protestants, each community observes its own customs regarding its clergy. At official events involving the Catholic Archbishop, he should be referred to as Excellency. In less formal settings it is called Eminence. The Anglican Bishop should be addressed My Lord Bishop; the bishop of the Episcopal Church in the USA is referred to as Eminence, to the bishops of the Methodist Church - Reverend; to the Mormon bishops - Sir. Ministers of the Protestant Church and Catholic priests are called Eminence, and rabbis are called Sir.
Churches and communities dating back to Calvinist movement, usually have a territorial division. The supreme religious authority belongs to the consistory, the president of which is elected and, by French protocol, is considered equal to the bishop. It is usually called Mr. President.
Bishop Emeritus
The first letter is "p"
Second letter "r"
Third letter "i"
The last letter of the letter is "c"
Answer for the clue "Emeritus Bishop", 6 letters:
primate
Alternative crossword questions for the word primate
Honorary title of the most important bishops
(Latin primas - superior) in the Catholic and Anglican churches the honorary title of the most important bishops
First in rank among Catholics
Church title for Catholics
In the Catholic and Anglican churches, the honorary title of the most important bishops
The highest figure of the Catholic or the Church of England in the State
Definition of the word primate in dictionaries
Encyclopedic Dictionary, 1998
The meaning of the word in the dictionary Encyclopedic Dictionary, 1998
PRIMATE (from Latin primas - superior) in the Catholic and Anglican churches is an honorary title for the most important bishops.
Wikipedia
Meaning of the word in the Wikipedia dictionary
Primate, in the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church, an honorary title for the ecclesiastical hierarch of a country, having supreme spiritual jurisdiction over the other bishops of the country. The Orthodox Churches use a similar title, "primate".
New explanatory dictionary of the Russian language, T. F. Efremova.
The meaning of the word in the dictionary New explanatory dictionary of the Russian language, T. F. Efremova.
m. First by rank or by rights (about a clergyman in the Catholic and Anglican churches).
Explanatory dictionary of the Russian language. D.N. Ushakov
The meaning of the word in the dictionary Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language. D.N. Ushakov
primate, m. (Latin primas - head) (book church). In the Catholic and Anglican churches, the title of archbishop, who occupies the ancient episcopal see. Archbishop of Lyon - Primate of Cales.
Examples of the use of the word primate in literature.
And immediately, previously unknown to the world, Innocent became the sole leader of the Catholic Church, and also the Bishop of Rome, the Vicar of Jesus Christ, the successor of the Prince of the Apostles, the High Priest of the Catholic Church, the Western Patriarch, primate Italian, Metropolitan-Archbishop of Rome, servant of the servants of God.
The Pope, in gratitude for the services rendered to him in Amiens, gave Manuel the title of Prince de Bassano, and in addition, his brother-in-law, Infante Don Luis Maria, presented him with the corresponding certificate. primate Spain, the same one who once passed by without noticing him, as if he were not a person, but air.
Did you really so recklessly enter into relations with one of those ferocious villains who killed primate?
Dublin Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Chapter of Financial Saints in the order of their plutocratic hierarchy, Bishop of Down and Connor, His Eminence Michael Cardinal Logue, Archbishop of Armagh, primate of all Ireland, His Grace, The Very Reverend Dr William Alexander, Archbishop of Armagh, primate of Ireland, Chief Rabbi, President of the Presbyterians, heads of the Baptist, Anabaptist, Methodist and Moravian congregations, and honorary secretary of the Society of Friends.
Whether the Regular Council or the Regency, the Archbishop of Valoret and primate Gwynedd has an undeniable right to sit on it.
Every Orthodox person meets with clergy who speak publicly or conduct services in church. At first glance, you can understand that each of them wears some special rank, because it’s not for nothing that they have differences in clothing: different colored robes, hats, some have jewelry made of precious stones, while others are more ascetic. But not everyone is given the ability to understand ranks. To find out the main ranks of clergy and monks, let's look at the ranks of the Orthodox Church in ascending order.
It should immediately be said that all ranks are divided into two categories:
- Secular clergy. These include ministers who may have a family, wife and children.
- Black clergy. These are those who accepted monasticism and renounced worldly life.
Secular clergy
The description of people who serve the Church and the Lord comes from the Old Testament. The scripture says that before the birth of Christ, the prophet Moses appointed people who were supposed to communicate with God. It is with these people that today's hierarchy of ranks is connected.
Altar server (novice)
This person is a lay assistant to the clergy. His responsibilities include:
If necessary, a novice can ring bells and read prayers, but he is strictly forbidden to touch the throne and walk between the altar and the Royal Doors. The altar server wears the most ordinary clothes, with a surplice thrown over the top.
This person is not elevated to the rank of clergy. He must read prayers and words from scripture, interpret them to ordinary people and explain to children the basic rules of Christian life. For special zeal, the clergyman can ordain the psalmist as a subdeacon. As for church clothes, he is allowed to wear a cassock and a skufia (velvet cap).
This person also does not have holy orders. But he can wear a surplice and an orarion. If the bishop blesses him, then the subdeacon can touch the throne and enter through the Royal Doors into the altar. Most often, the subdeacon helps the priest perform the service. He washes his hands during services and gives him the necessary items (tricirium, ripids).
Church ranks of the Orthodox Church
All of the church ministers listed above are not clergy. These are simple peaceful people who want to get closer to the church and the Lord God. They are accepted into their positions only with the blessing of the priest. Let's start looking at the ecclesiastical ranks of the Orthodox Church from the lowest.
The position of deacon has remained unchanged since ancient times. He, as before, must help in worship, but he is prohibited from independently performing church services and representing the Church in society. His main responsibility is reading the Gospel. Currently, there is no longer a need for the services of a deacon, so their number in churches is steadily decreasing.
This is the most important deacon at a cathedral or church. Previously, this rank was given to a protodeacon, who was distinguished by his special zeal for service. To determine that this is a protodeacon, you should look at his vestments. If he wears an orarion with the words “Holy! Holy! Holy,” that means he’s the one in front of you. But at present, this rank is given only after a deacon has served in the church for at least 15–20 years.
It is these people who have a beautiful singing voice, know many psalms and prayers, and sing at various church services.
This word came to us from the Greek language and translated means “priest.” In the Orthodox Church this is the lowest rank of priest. The bishop gives him the following powers:
- perform divine services and other sacraments;
- bring teaching to people;
- conduct communion.
The priest is prohibited from consecrating antimensions and performing the sacrament of ordination of the priesthood. Instead of a hood, his head is covered with a kamilavka.
This rank is given as a reward for some merit. The archpriest is the most important among the priests and also the rector of the temple. During the performance of the sacraments, archpriests put on a robe and stole. Several archpriests can serve in one liturgical institution at once.
This rank is given only by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' as a reward for the kindest and most useful deeds that a person has done in favor of the Russian Orthodox Church. This is the highest rank in the white clergy. It will no longer be possible to earn a higher rank, since then there are ranks that are prohibited from starting a family.
Nevertheless, many, in order to get a promotion, leave worldly life, family, children and go into monastic life forever. In such families, the wife most often supports her husband and also goes to the monastery to take monastic vows.
Black clergy
It includes only those who have taken monastic vows. This hierarchy of ranks is more detailed than that of those who preferred family life to monastic life.
This is a monk who is a deacon. He helps clergy conduct sacraments and perform services. For example, he carries out the vessels necessary for rituals or makes prayer requests. The most senior hierodeacon is called "archdeacon."
This is a man who is a priest. He is allowed to perform various sacred sacraments. This rank can be received by priests from the white clergy who decided to become monks, and by those who have undergone consecration (giving a person the right to perform the sacraments).
This is the abbot or abbess of a Russian Orthodox monastery or temple. Previously, most often, this rank was given as a reward for services to the Russian Orthodox Church. But since 2011, the patriarch decided to grant this rank to any abbot of the monastery. During initiation, the abbot is given a staff with which he must walk around his domain.
This is one of the highest ranks in Orthodoxy. Upon receiving it, the clergyman is also awarded a miter. The archimandrite wears a black monastic robe, which distinguishes him from other monks by the fact that he has red tablets on him. If, in addition, the archimandrite is the rector of any temple or monastery, he has the right to carry a rod - a staff. He is supposed to be addressed as “Your Reverence.”
This rank belongs to the category of bishops. At their ordination, they received the highest grace of the Lord and therefore can perform any sacred rites, even ordain deacons. According to church laws, they have equal rights; the archbishop is considered the most senior. According to ancient tradition, only a bishop can bless the service with an antimis. This is a quadrangular scarf in which part of the relics of a saint is sewn.
This clergyman also controls and guards all monasteries and churches that are located on the territory of his diocese. The generally accepted address to a bishop is “Vladyka” or “Your Eminence.”
This is a high-ranking clergy or the highest title of bishop, the oldest on earth. He obeys only the patriarch. Differs from other dignitaries in the following details in clothing:
- has a blue robe (bishops have red ones);
- The hood is white with a cross trimmed with precious stones (the rest have a black hood).
This rank is given for very high merits and is a badge of distinction.
The highest rank in the Orthodox Church, the main priest of the country. The word itself combines two roots: “father” and “power”. He is elected at the Council of Bishops. This rank is for life; only in the rarest cases can it be deposed and excommunicated. When the place of the patriarch is empty, a locum tenens is appointed as a temporary executor, who does everything that the patriarch should do.
This position carries responsibility not only for itself, but also for the entire Orthodox people of the country.
The ranks in the Orthodox Church, in ascending order, have their own clear hierarchy. Despite the fact that we call many clergy “father,” every Orthodox Christian should know the main differences between dignitaries and positions.