Church Hierarchy

noun a district or see under the jurisdiction of an archbishop

• The archbishopric of Canterbury is one of the oldest in England.
• The archbishopric is responsible for overseeing several churches in the region.
• I heard the archbishopric is hosting a big event next week.
• In the world of politics, the archbishopric holds a lot of power and influence.

noun a district under the pastoral care of a bishop in the Christian Church

• The diocese held a meeting to discuss the upcoming changes in parish boundaries.
• The diocese is hosting a charity event next month.
• I heard the diocese is cracking down on dress code violations.
• The diocese of technology is constantly evolving and adapting to new advancements.

noun a person, typically a man, who has been ordained to perform certain religious rites and ceremonies

• The priest conducted the Sunday mass at the cathedral.
• I saw the priest chatting with parishioners after the service.
• Some people call the priest 'Father' as a sign of respect.
• In literature, the priest often symbolizes spiritual guidance and wisdom.

noun a body of priests; the office or position of a priest; the order of priests in a particular religion

• The priesthood is a sacred office in many religious traditions.
• My uncle recently joined the priesthood and is now a priest.
• Some people think joining the priesthood is like signing up for a life sentence.
• In the world of finance, the priesthood of investment bankers reigns supreme.

noun a term used in medieval Latin to refer to an abbot who is not under the authority of a bishop

• The abbots nullius were responsible for overseeing territories that were not under the jurisdiction of any diocese.
• The abbots nullius had a lot of power over their territories.
• The abbots nullius were like the bosses of their areas.
• Being an abbot nullius in his own home, he made all the decisions without consulting anyone else.