Abbot: Difference between revisions
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It originated in [[Egypt|Egyptian]] [[monasticism]], either as the head of one community or of several. By the Rule of [[Benedictine|St.Benedict]], which was the monastic norm in the [[Catholic Church|Western Church]], he governed one monastery. It also became the norm for them to be in religious orders, a [[deacon]] at least, if not a fully-ordained [[priest]]. They were initially subject to [[bishop|episcopal]] oversight but little by ltitle the [[Pope]]s allowed them greater authority, untill each abbot became vested with authority equal to a bishop and in some cases an [[arch-bishop]], and eventually no less than 24 English abbots were entitled to wear the [[mitre]] and ring as if bishops. |
It originated in [[Egypt|Egyptian]] [[monasticism]], either as the head of one community or of several. By the Rule of [[Benedictine|St.Benedict]], which was the monastic norm in the [[Catholic Church|Western Church]], he governed one monastery. It also became the norm for them to be in religious orders, a [[deacon]] at least, if not a fully-ordained [[priest]]. They were initially subject to [[bishop|episcopal]] oversight but little by ltitle the [[Pope]]s allowed them greater authority, untill each abbot became vested with authority equal to a bishop and in some cases an [[arch-bishop]], and eventually no less than 24 English abbots were entitled to wear the [[mitre]] and ring as if bishops. |
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[[Category:Christianity]] |
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Revision as of 12:52, 5 May 2006
An abbot (the word derives from Abba, meaning "father") is, generally, the head of a monastery, although the title was also applied to other posts, mostly of the ecclesiastical persuasion.
It originated in Egyptian monasticism, either as the head of one community or of several. By the Rule of St.Benedict, which was the monastic norm in the Western Church, he governed one monastery. It also became the norm for them to be in religious orders, a deacon at least, if not a fully-ordained priest. They were initially subject to episcopal oversight but little by ltitle the Popes allowed them greater authority, untill each abbot became vested with authority equal to a bishop and in some cases an arch-bishop, and eventually no less than 24 English abbots were entitled to wear the mitre and ring as if bishops.
