Bishops

Bishop

Leader in early Christian communities, derived from 'episkopos'.

See

Territory governed by a bishop, also called diocese.

Apostolic Succession

Continuity of leadership from Apostles to bishops.

Elders

Also known as presbyters, early church leaders overlapping with bishops.

Presbyters

Leaders of services in parishes, subject to bishops.

Deacon

Minister or servant assisting the bishop with tasks.

Deaconess

Female deacon, assisting in similar roles as deacons.

Ordination

Ceremony making someone a deacon, priest, or bishop.

Laity

Non-ordained members of the church community.

Church Fathers

Influential bishops known for theological writings.

Cappadocian Fathers

Group of notable Church Fathers from Cappadocia region.

Ecumenical Council

Gathering of bishops to decide on doctrine and disputes.

Patristics

Discipline studying the writings of Church Fathers.

John Chrysostom

Church Father known as 'The Golden Mouthed'.

Cyril of Alexandria

Notable Church Father, lived from 378 to 444.

Athanasios of Alexandria

Church Father known for his theological contributions.

Itinerant Leaders

Charismatic holy men offering alternative leadership styles.

Desert Hermits

Early Christian figures living in solitude for spirituality.

2nd Century

Period when bishops became recognized as sole leaders.

5th Century

Time when bishops increasingly prohibited from marrying.

Basil the Great

Cappadocian Father, lived from 330 to 379.

Gregory of Nyssa

Cappadocian Father, lived from 335 to 394.

Gregory of Nazianzus

Cappadocian Father, lived from 330 to 390.