Eparchy

/ˈɛpɑːrki/ noun

Definition

A diocese or territorial jurisdiction of the Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, or other Eastern Christian churches, governed by an eparch.

Etymology

From Greek epi- (over) + arkhia (rule). Directly parallels the Western term 'diocese' but is specifically used in Eastern Christian contexts.

Kelly Says

The Western church has dioceses; the Eastern church has eparchies—same concept, different cultural and linguistic tradition. This word difference actually reflects a 1,500-year-old split in how Christianity organized itself.

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