Definition

1. Noun:
   • The ecclesiastical title of the leaders of the Nestorian and Armenian churches: "Catholicos" is a specific title for the supreme patriarch or head bishop in certain Eastern Christian traditions, historically and primarily associated with the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Church of the East (historically called Nestorian).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Catholicos of All Armenians resides at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
  • The synod convened under the authority of the Catholicos.
  • He was ordained as the new Catholicos of the Ancient Church of the East.

Advanced Usage

• The title "Catholicos" implies a degree of autonomous leadership and spiritual authority within its specific church hierarchy, often considered equivalent to a "Patriarch."
• The term can be used in historical contexts to refer to leaders of ancient Christian sees in the East.

Variants and Related Words

• Catholicate (n): The office, jurisdiction, or period of office of a Catholicos.
  • The catholicate was moved to a new location in the 15th century.

Synonyms

• Patriarch: A title for a high-ranking bishop in charge of a major see, often used similarly in other Christian traditions.
• Supreme Head: A general term for the highest leader.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "Catholicos" is a proper noun and a specific title. It is not to be confused with the general adjective "catholic" (meaning universal).
• It refers exclusively to the leaders of the mentioned Christian churches and is not a generic term for any religious leader.

Noun

1. the ecclesiastical title of the leaders of the Nestorian and Armenian churches