A: First of all, the English word bishop stems from the Anglo-Saxon corruption of episcopus, which is a transliteration of the original Greek word episcopos, meaning “ovrseer.” Bishops are the highest rank of the Priesthood (the other two being deacons and priests) and have the distinction of being both, overseers and the final authority in the Church.
Just as there are varying ranks within the deaconate (deacon, protodeacon, archdeacon) and the priesthood (priest, archpriest, protopresbyter), there is also a gradual ranking among the hierarchs. Some of these elevations are bestowed as awards for length of service, while others are given to distinguish the responsibilities they perform for the Church.
Traditionally, however, and to explain their roles plainly and simply, a Bishop would normally "oversee" a large city and its surrounding area – like Cleveland and all of its suburbs. An Archbishop would oversee a much larger section consisting of many cities (Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Toledo, etc.). A Metropolitan would be responsible for a entire region – like the entire state of Ohio, while a Patriarch would be in charge of a whole country.
Unfortunately, since all Orthodox Churches in America are not united in a common jurisdiction at this time, we cannot rightfully have a Patriarch in this country. This is why the highest ranking bishop in the OCA is the Metropolitan.
Fr. John
Δεν υπάρχουν σχόλια:
Δημοσίευση σχολίου