Archprotopope

/ˌɑrktʃˈproʊtəpoʊp/ noun

Definition

A supreme Christian priest or the highest-ranking Eastern Orthodox clergy member, outranking even ordinary protopopes (senior priests).

Etymology

From 'arch-' (chief) plus 'protopope' (from Greek 'proto-' meaning first, and 'popes' meaning father/priest). Used specifically in Eastern Orthodox Christianity to denote the chief among senior priests.

Kelly Says

The Eastern Orthodox Church had a whole ranking system for priests, and the archprotopope was basically the priest's priest—the ultimate authority on religious matters below the bishop!

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