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Episcopacy: meaning, definitions and examples

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episcopacy

 

[ ɪˈpɪs.kə.pəsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious order

Episcopacy refers to the system of church governance that involves bishops overseeing a church or religious community. It is characterized by a hierarchical structure where bishops hold authority and are responsible for the spiritual and administrative needs of their dioceses. This form of governance is prominent in various Christian denominations, including the Anglican, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. The episcopacy is often associated with the sacraments, particularly ordination, as bishops play a crucial role in the consecration of new clergy.

Synonyms

bishops, church governance, hierarchy

Examples of usage

  • The episcopacy is vital for maintaining church order.
  • Many members of the congregation support the episcopacy's role in decision-making.
  • The episcopacy also conducts important ceremonies within the church.
  • Debates about female bishops have stirred discussions within the episcopacy.

Translations

Translations of the word "episcopacy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 episcopado

🇮🇳 बिशप द्वारा पद

🇩🇪 Episkopat

🇮🇩 episkopat

🇺🇦 єпископат

🇵🇱 episkopat

🇯🇵 司教職

🇫🇷 épiscopat

🇪🇸 episcopado

🇹🇷 episkoposluk

🇰🇷 주교직

🇸🇦 أسقفية

🇨🇿 episkopát

🇸🇰 episkopát

🇨🇳 主教职位

🇸🇮 episkopat

🇮🇸 biskupsdómur

🇰🇿 епископат

🇬🇪 ეპისკოპატი

🇦🇿 episkopat

🇲🇽 episcopado

Word origin

The term episcopacy originates from the Greek word 'episkopos', meaning 'overseer' or 'bishop'. In early Christianity, the role of bishops became increasingly important as the church grew and needed more structured leadership. The episcopal system emerged as a means to establish a hierarchy that provided oversight and guidance to local congregations. By the 2nd century, the concept of the episcopacy was firmly established, with bishops being seen as successors to the Apostles. This notion was further solidified in the following centuries, particularly during the formation of the Catholic Church. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, different regions adapted the episcopacy to suit their local contexts, leading to various interpretations and practices of the episcopal office. The division of Christianity during the Reformation introduced new perspectives on the episcopacy, with some denominations rejecting the hierarchical structure altogether. Today, the episcopacy remains a significant aspect of many Christian traditions, symbolizing continuity and the apostolic foundation of the church.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,508, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.