ecclesiarch
|ec-cle-si-arch|
🇺🇸
/ɪˈklɛz.i.ɑrk/
🇬🇧
/ɪˈklɛz.i.ɑːk/
church officer in charge of worship
Etymology
'ecclesiarch' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ekklesiarchos', where 'ekklesia' meant 'assembly' or 'church' and 'arkhos' (arch-) meant 'ruler' or 'leader'.
'ecclesiarchos' passed into Medieval Latin as 'ecclesiarcha' (or similar forms) and from there into English as 'ecclesiarch', retaining the sense of a leader associated with an assembly or church and later narrowing to a church officer responsible for liturgy.
Initially, it meant 'ruler or leader of an assembly (ekklesia)'; over time the meaning narrowed to refer specifically to an officer in charge of worship and liturgical organization.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an officer in a church or monastery responsible for organizing and overseeing the conduct of worship and liturgical services (especially in Eastern Orthodox or monastic contexts).
The ecclesiarch arranged the schedule of services and ensured the liturgy was performed correctly.
Synonyms
Noun 2
archaic or rare: a chief or ruler of a church assembly; historically a title for a leader of an ecclesiastical community.
In historical records he is described as the ecclesiarch of the cathedral chapter.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/24 10:26