ARCHDIOCESE Meaning and
Definition
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An archdiocese is a significant administrative division in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. It is characterized by its size, influence, and historical importance within a region or country. As one of the highest levels of jurisdiction within the Church's structure, an archdiocese is typically led by an archbishop, who is considered the spiritual head of the region.
The primary function of an archdiocese is to provide spiritual leadership, guidance, and pastoral care to the Catholic faithful within its boundaries. This includes overseeing the governance and coordination of a group of dioceses, also known as suffragan dioceses, that fall under its jurisdiction. The archbishop, in collaboration with the local clergy, is responsible for ensuring the proper administration of sacraments, offering support and counseling to both clergy and laity, and promoting the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic Church.
Furthermore, an archdiocese often holds historical, cultural, and societal significance due to its connection with important religious sites, historical figures, or events. It may serve as the seat of a metropolitan province, which comprises multiple dioceses. The archbishop, as the metropolitan, may have certain supervisory responsibilities over these dioceses.
In summary, an archdiocese denotes a high-ranking ecclesiastical division within the Catholic Church, led by an archbishop, and responsible for the spiritual oversight of a region, including the coordination of other dioceses within its jurisdiction.
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Etymology of ARCHDIOCESE
The word "archdiocese" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "arche" meaning "ruler" or "chief", and "diocese" meaning "administrative division" or "district".
In ancient times, a diocese referred to a territorial division under the jurisdiction of a Roman governor. Over time, the term came to be associated with the administrative unit of the Christian Church.
The prefix "arch" was added to indicate the higher rank or authority of certain dioceses. An archdiocese is typically led by an Archbishop who oversees a larger and more significant ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The term "archdiocese" has been used since the early Christian era to differentiate these higher-level districts from regular dioceses.
Similar spelling words for ARCHDIOCESE
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