cathedra

Thân thiện

The bishop sits in the cathedra during the service.

Definition

Noun: 1. The official chair or throne of a bishop: A cathedra is the seat of authority for a bishop, traditionally located within the principal church (cathedral) of his diocese. It symbolizes the bishop's role as a teacher and spiritual leader.

Usage Examples

• The ancient marble cathedra was placed prominently behind the altar.
• The bishop addressed the congregation from his cathedra.
• The church was designated a cathedral because it houses the bishop's cathedra.

Advanced Usage

• "Ex cathedra": A Latin phrase meaning "from the chair." In Roman Catholicism, it refers to a pronouncement made by the Pope with his supreme authority on matters of faith or morals, which is considered infallible. This usage extends the concept of the teaching authority symbolized by the chair.
  • The doctrine was defined by an ex cathedra statement.

Variants and Related Words

• Cathedral (n): The principal church of a diocese, containing the bishop's cathedra. The church derives its name and status from housing this chair.
  • St. Paul's Cathedral in London is a famous landmark.

Synonyms

• Bishop's throne
• Episcopal throne
• See (in the ecclesiastical sense of a bishop's seat of authority)

Notes on Meaning

The word "cathedra" is the etymological source for the word "cathedral." Its meaning is highly specific to ecclesiastical (church) hierarchy and architecture. Its primary and almost exclusive use is in this formal, religious context.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a throne that is the official chair of a bishop

Từ đồng nghĩa

• bishop's throne