Metropolitan bishop: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Ecclesiastical office}} |
{{Short description|Ecclesiastical office}} |
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⚫ | [[Image:Mohyla Petro.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Petro Mohyla]], Moldavian noble, [[Eastern Orthodox]] theologian, and [[Metropolis of Kiev, Galicia and all Rus' (1620–1686)|Metropolitan of Kiev, Galicia and all Rus']] ]]In [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Christian denomination|church]]es with [[episcopal polity]], the rank of '''metropolitan bishop''', or simply '''metropolitan''' (alternative obsolete form: '''metropolite'''<ref> |
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[[Image:Mohyla Petro.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Peter Mogila|Peter Mohyla]], Ruthenian-Ukrainian metropolitan, noble, and cultural figure]] |
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[[Image:Metropolitan of Moscow Makariy Nevskiy.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Macarius (Nevsky)|Macarius II]], [[Metropolitan of Moscow]] (in office: 1912–1917). In the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] a white [[klobuk]] is distinctive of a metropolitan ({{lang-ru|митрополит | translit = mitropolit}}).]] |
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[[File:Archbishop Daniel Dinardo.jpg|thumb|upright|Cardinal [[Daniel DiNardo]] is the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston|Metropolitan Archbishop of Galveston-Houston]]. In the Roman Catholic Church, the [[pallium]] is unique to a metropolitan bishop.]] |
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{{oed | metropolite}} |
{{oed | metropolite}} |
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</ref>), pertains to the [[diocesan bishop]] or [[archbishop]] of a [[Metropolis (religious jurisdiction)|metropolis]]. |
</ref>), pertains to the [[diocesan bishop]] or [[archbishop]] of a [[Metropolis (religious jurisdiction)|metropolis]]. |
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In some churches, such as the [[Church of Greece]], a '''metropolis''' is a rank granted to all episcopal sees. Their bishops are all called metropolitans, the title of archbishop being reserved for the [[primate (bishop)|primate]]. |
In some churches, such as the [[Church of Greece]], a '''metropolis''' is a rank granted to all episcopal sees. Their bishops are all called metropolitans, the title of archbishop being reserved for the [[primate (bishop)|primate]]. |
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== Origins == |
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As Christianity expanded in the [[Roman Empire]], larger concentrations of believers were to be found in urban environs. The Bishop of such cities came to hold a pre-eminence of honour in the [[Roman province|province]] of which his diocese was the [[Capital city|capital]], with some eventually gaining a primacy even over other provinces with their own [[primus inter pares]]. By the middle of the 3rd century [[Archdiocese of Carthage|Carthage]] had become the leading see in [[Africa (Roman province)|Roman North Africa]].<ref name="Hassett1908">{{Cite Catholic Encyclopedia |wstitle=Archdiocese of Carthage |volume=3 |first=Maurice M. |last=Hassett}}</ref> The [[First Council of Nicaea|Council of Nicea]] codified this arrangement into [[canon law]]<ref>At canons 4 and 6</ref> in accordance with the growing standardisation of ecclesiastical diocesan structure along the lines of secular Roman blueprints. It also gave the first documented use of the term "Metropolitan" in reference to such bishops as had the presidency over a province. Meanwhile, Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch had grown in ecclesiastical prominence such that by the early 4th century they had long-recognised jurisdiction over more than one province of bishops each. Alexandria had attained primacy over [[Roman Egypt]], [[Roman Libya]], and [[Pentapolis (North Africa)|Pentapolis]]. The Bishop of Rome had [[Primate (bishop)|Primatial]] authority over provinces within 100 miles of the city.<ref name=":0" /> By virtue of their authority over multiple provinces, the sees of Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch were by this time already exercising "supra-metropolitan" reach that would later be extended and become known as [[Patriarchate]]s.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Schaff |first1=Philip |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JgVuEAAAQBAJ |title=A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series, Volume 14: The Seven Ecumenical Councils |last2=Wace |first2=Henry |date=2022-04-29 |publisher=Wipf and Stock Publishers |isbn=978-1-6667-4063-9 |pages=15–19, 438 |language=en}}</ref> After Nicaea the designation of Metropolitan applied to such sees as [[Caesarea in Palaestina (diocese)|Caesarea]] and Carthage, which by the late 4th century had a recognised primacy over multiple provinces of [[Syria Palaestina]] and the wider [[Maghreb|Mahgreb]], respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Caesarea Palaestinae |url=https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03134b.htm |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=www.newadvent.org}}</ref><ref name="Hassett1908" /><ref name=":0" /> With the Imperial Capital having moved to [[Byzantium]] in 330, the renamed city of [[Constantinople]] became increasingly important in church affairs of the Greek East. The See of Constantinople was granted Archepiscopal status prior to [[First Council of Constantinople|a council held in the city in 381]]. Coinciding with the city's use as the Imperial residence, the See of Milan was elevated to Metropolitan/Archepiscopal status by the time of the presidency of [[Ambrose]] (374-397)<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lizzi |first=Rita |date=1990 |title=Ambrose's Contemporaries and the Christianization of Northern Italy |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/300285 |journal=The Journal of Roman Studies |volume=80 |pages=156–173 |doi=10.2307/300285 |jstor=300285 |s2cid=162263728 |issn=0075-4358}}</ref> and temporarily exercised primacy over Northern Italy (the [[Roman Italy#Diocletianic and Constantinian re-organizations|Diocesis Italia annonaria]], which included territory across the Alps to the Danube).<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Hoare |first=F. R. |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Western-Fathers-trans-edit-Hoare/dp/B000S6VC8U |title=The Western Fathers |date=1954-01-01 |publisher=Sheed & Ward |edition=1st |pages=xvi-xvii}}</ref> All provinces of Italy were under the broader Primatial oversight of the Archbishop of Rome at least by the end of the 4th century.<ref name=":1" /> |
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== Catholic Church == |
== Catholic Church == |
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{{See also|Catholic Church |
{{See also|Hierarchy of the Catholic Church #Metropolitan bishops|Diocesan bishop}} |
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{{Catholic Church hierarchy sidebar}} |
{{Catholic Church hierarchy sidebar}} |
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[[File:External Ornaments of a Metropolitan Archbishop.svg|left|thumb|Heraldic elements of a [[coat of arms]] of a Roman Catholic metropolitan archbishop (without the arms)]] |
[[File:External Ornaments of a Metropolitan Archbishop.svg|left|thumb|Heraldic elements of a [[coat of arms]] of a Roman Catholic metropolitan archbishop (without the arms)]] |
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=== Latin Church === |
=== Latin Church === |
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In the [[Latin Church]], an [[ecclesiastical province]], composed of several neighbouring dioceses,<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 431]</ref> is headed by a metropolitan, the [[archbishop]] of the diocese designated by the Pope.<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 435]</ref> The other bishops are known as [[suffragan bishop]]s. |
In the [[Latin Church]], an [[ecclesiastical province]], composed of several neighbouring dioceses,<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 431]</ref> is headed by a metropolitan, the [[archbishop]] of the diocese designated by the [[Pope]].<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 435]</ref> The other bishops are known as [[suffragan bishop]]s. |
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The metropolitan's powers over dioceses other than his own are normally limited to: |
The metropolitan's powers over the dioceses of his province, other than his own diocese, are normally limited to: |
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# supervising observance of faith and ecclesiastical discipline and notifying the |
# supervising observance of faith and ecclesiastical discipline and notifying the Pope of any abuses; |
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# carrying out, for reasons approved beforehand by the [[Holy See]], a canonical inspection that the suffragan bishop has neglected to perform; |
# carrying out, for reasons approved beforehand by the [[Holy See]], a canonical inspection that the suffragan bishop has neglected to perform; |
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# appointing a [[diocesan administrator]] if the college of consultors fails to elect an at least 35-year-old priest within eight days after the vacancy of the see becomes known;<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 436 §1–2]</ref> and |
# appointing a [[diocesan administrator]] if the college of consultors fails to elect an at least 35-year-old priest within eight days after the vacancy of the see becomes known;<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 436 §1–2]</ref> and |
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# serving as the default [[ecclesiastical court]] for [[appeal]]s from decisions of the tribunals of the suffragan bishops.<ref>Canon 1438 no. 1.</ref> |
# serving as the default [[ecclesiastical court]] for [[appeal]]s from decisions of the tribunals of the suffragan bishops.<ref>Canon 1438 no. 1.</ref> |
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The metropolitan also has the liturgical privilege of celebrating sacred functions throughout the province, as if he were a bishop in his own diocese, provided only that, if he celebrates in a cathedral church, the diocesan bishop has been informed beforehand.<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 436 §3]</ref> |
The metropolitan also has the liturgical privilege of celebrating sacred functions throughout the province, as if he were a bishop in his own diocese, provided only that, if he celebrates in a cathedral church, the diocesan bishop has been informed beforehand.<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 436 §3]</ref> |
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It is the responsibility of the metropolitan, with the consent of the majority of the suffragan bishops, to call a provincial council, decide where to convene it, and determine the agenda. It is his prerogative to preside over the provincial council.<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 442]</ref> No provincial council can be called if the metropolitan see is vacant.<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 440 §2]</ref> |
It is the responsibility of the metropolitan, with the consent of the majority of the suffragan bishops, to call a provincial council, decide where to convene it, and determine the agenda. It is his prerogative to preside over the provincial council.<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 442]</ref> No provincial council can be called if the metropolitan see is vacant.<ref>[http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P1H.HTM Code of Canon Law, canon 440 §2]</ref> |
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The Metropolitans of a given territory are also involved in the selection of bishops. Every three years, they compile a list of '' |
The Metropolitans of a given territory are also involved in the selection of bishops. Every three years, they compile a list of ''promovendis'' - a list of priests who may be suitable for the office of bishop. This is forwarded to the local [[Nuncio|Apostolic Nuncio]], who evaluates the candidates in a consultative and confidential process. The Nuncio in turn forwards the best candidates to the [[Congregation for Bishops]] in Rome, who conduct a final evaluation of candidates and offer their findings to the Pope for his final decision of appointment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-04/vatican-dicasteries-congregation-bishops-cardinal-ouellet.html|title = To choose a bishop: A man for the Church, not a "ladder-climber" - Vatican News|date = 26 April 2021}}</ref> |
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All [[Latin Rite]] metropolitans are archbishops; however, some archbishops are not metropolitans, as there are a few instances where an [[archdiocese]] has no suffragans or is itself suffragan to another archdiocese. [[Titular bishop|Titular archbishops]] (i.e. ordained bishops who are given an honorary title to a now-defunct archdiocese; e.g. many Vatican officials and [[papal nuncio]]s and [[apostolic delegate]]s are titular archbishops) are never metropolitans. |
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As of April 2006, 508 archdioceses were headed by metropolitan archbishops, 27 archbishops lead an extant archdiocese, but were not metropolitans, and there were 89 titular archbishops. See also [[Catholic Church hierarchy]] for the distinctions. |
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=== Eastern Catholic === |
=== Eastern Catholic === |
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====Within patriarchal or major archiepiscopal churches==== |
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[[File:Lubomyr Husar.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Lubomyr Husar, Major Archbishop emeritus of the [[Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church]]]] |
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====Within Patriarchal or Major Archiepiscopal Churches==== |
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In those [[Eastern Catholic Churches]] that are headed by a [[patriarch]], metropolitans in charge of ecclesiastical provinces hold a position similar to that of metropolitans in the Latin Church. Among the differences is that Eastern Catholic metropolitans within the territory of the patriarchate are to be ordained and enthroned by the patriarch, who may also ordain and enthrone metropolitans of sees outside that territory that are part of his Church.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_IV Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 86]</ref> Similarly, a metropolitan has the right to ordain and enthrone the bishops of his province.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_IV Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 133]</ref> The metropolitan is to be commemorated in the [[liturgy|liturgies]] celebrated within his province.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_IV Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 135]</ref> |
In those [[Eastern Catholic Churches]] that are headed by a [[patriarch]], metropolitans in charge of ecclesiastical provinces hold a position similar to that of metropolitans in the Latin Church. Among the differences is that Eastern Catholic metropolitans within the territory of the patriarchate are to be ordained and enthroned by the patriarch, who may also ordain and enthrone metropolitans of sees outside that territory that are part of his Church.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_IV Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 86]</ref> Similarly, a metropolitan has the right to ordain and enthrone the bishops of his province.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_IV Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 133]</ref> The metropolitan is to be commemorated in the [[liturgy|liturgies]] celebrated within his province.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_IV Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 135]</ref> |
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A [[major archbishop]] is defined as the metropolitan of a certain see who heads an autonomous Eastern Church not of patriarchal rank. The canon law of such a Church differs only slightly from that regarding a patriarchal Church.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_V Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canons 151–154]</ref> Within major |
A [[major archbishop]] is defined as the metropolitan of a certain see who heads an autonomous Eastern Church not of patriarchal rank. The canon law of such a Church differs only slightly from that regarding a patriarchal Church.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_V Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canons 151–154]</ref> Within major archepiscopal churches, there may be ecclesiastical provinces headed by metropolitan bishops. |
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====As heads of their own |
====As heads of their own particular churches==== |
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There are also autonomous Eastern Catholic Churches consisting of a single province and headed by a metropolitan. Metropolitans of this kind are to obtain the pallium from the Pope as a sign of his metropolitan authority and of his Church's [[full communion]] with the Pope, and only after his investment with it can he convoke the Council of Hierarchs and ordain the bishops of his autonomous Church.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_VI Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 156]</ref> In his autonomous Church it is for him to ordain and enthrone bishops<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_VI Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 159]</ref> and his name is to be mentioned immediately after that of the Pope in the liturgy.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_VI Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 161]</ref> |
There are also autonomous Eastern Catholic Churches consisting of a single province and headed by a metropolitan. Metropolitans of this kind are to obtain the pallium from the Pope as a sign of his metropolitan authority and of his Church's [[full communion]] with the Pope, and only after his investment with it can he convoke the Council of Hierarchs and ordain the bishops of his autonomous Church.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_VI Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 156]</ref> In his autonomous Church it is for him to ordain and enthrone bishops<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_VI Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 159]</ref> and his name is to be mentioned immediately after that of the Pope in the liturgy.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/la/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_jp-ii_apc_19901018_codex-can-eccl-orient-1.html#TITULUS_VI Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 161]</ref> |
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==Eastern Orthodox Church== |
==Eastern Orthodox Church== |
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[[File:Mitropolit Vladimir Petersburg.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Metropolitan Vladimir of [[Saint Petersburg]] wearing the light blue [[mandyas]] of a [[Russian Orthodox]] metropolitan.]] |
[[File:Mitropolit Vladimir Petersburg.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Metropolitan Vladimir of [[Saint Petersburg]] wearing the light blue [[mandyas]] of a [[Russian Orthodox]] metropolitan.]] |
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In the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] |
In the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], the title of metropolitan is used variously, in terms of rank and jurisdiction. |
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In terms of rank, in some Eastern Orthodox |
In terms of rank, in some Eastern Orthodox churches metropolitans are ranked above archbishops in [[Order of precedence|precedence]], while in others that order is reversed. Primates of [[Autocephaly|autocephalous]] Eastern Orthodox churches below patriarchal rank are generally designated as archbishops. In the [[Greek Orthodox Church|Greek Orthodox church]]es, archbishops are ranked above metropolitans in precedence. The reverse is true for some Slavic Orthodox churches (Russian Orthodox, [[Bulgarian Orthodox]]) and also for [[Romanian Orthodox Church]], where metropolitans rank above archbishops and the title can be used for important regional or historical [[Episcopal see|sees]]. |
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In terms of jurisdiction, there are two basic types of metropolitans in Eastern Orthodox Church: real metropolitans, with actual jurisdiction over their ecclesiastical provinces, and honorary metropolitans who are in fact just diocesan bishops with honorary title of metropolitan and no jurisdiction outside their own diocese. |
In terms of jurisdiction, there are two basic types of metropolitans in Eastern Orthodox Church: real metropolitans, with actual jurisdiction over their ecclesiastical provinces, and honorary metropolitans who are in fact just diocesan bishops with honorary title of metropolitan and no jurisdiction outside their own diocese. |
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Some Eastern Orthodox |
Some Eastern Orthodox churches have functioning metropolitans on the middle (regional) level of church administration. In Romanian Orthodox Church there are six regional metropolitans who are the chairmen of their respective synods of bishops, and have special duties and privileges. For example, [[Metropolis of Oltenia|metropolitan of Oltenia]] has regional jurisdiction over four dioceses. |
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On the other hand, in some Eastern Orthodox |
On the other hand, in some Eastern Orthodox churches title of metropolitan is only honorary, with no special or additional jurisdiction. In [[Serbian Orthodox Church]], honorary title of metropolitan is given to diocesan bishops of some important historical sees (Article 14 of the Constitution of Serbian Orthodox Church).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spc.rs/eng/church|title=Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church|publisher=Serbian Orthodox Church}}</ref> For example, diocesan bishop of the [[Eparchy of Montenegro and the Littoral]] is given the honorary title of metropolitan, but without any jurisdiction over other diocesan bishops in [[Montenegro]]. Diocesan bishop of the [[Eparchy of Dabar-Bosnia]] is also given the honorary title of metropolitan, but without any jurisdiction over other diocesan bishops in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]]. |
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Non-canonical Eastern Orthodox Churches generally use metropolitan title according to local traditions of usage in Churches from which they were split (see: [[Macedonian Orthodox Church]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mpc.org.mk/English/mpc-today.asp |title= |
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MOC today |publisher=Macedonian Orthodox Church}}</ref> |
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== Oriental Orthodox Communion == |
== Oriental Orthodox Communion == |
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[[File:Raja Ravi Varma, Gheevarghese Mar Gregorios of Parumala (1905).jpg|thumb|upright|right|The late Metropolitan [[Geevarghese Gregorios of Parumala]] of the [[Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church]] is portrayed wearing traditional dress in a painting by [[Raja Ravi Varma]].]] |
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===Malankara |
===Malankara churches=== |
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Metropolitan is a title used by all |
Metropolitan is a title used by all [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] in [[Malankara Church|Malankara]]. [[Malankara Metropolitan]] was a legal title given to the head of the [[Malankara Syrian Church]], aka Puthencoor (New Allegiance) Syrian Christians, by the Government of [[Travancore]] and [[Kingdom of Cochin|Cochin]] in South India. This title was awarded by a proclamation from the [[King of Travancore]] and the [[Kingdom of Cochin|King of Cochin]] to the legal head of the Malankara Church. The Supreme Court of India has authenticated the usage of the title by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in its verdict in the Malankara Church case. |
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[[Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II]] was enthroned as Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan on 1 November 2010 at Parumala, Kerala. Under his see, the dioceses are further headed by diocesan metropolitans. |
[[Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II]] was enthroned as [[Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan]] on 1 November 2010 at [[Parumala]], Kerala. Under his [[Episcopal see|see]], the [[dioceses]] are further headed by diocesan metropolitans. |
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== Other |
== Other Eastern Christians == |
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⚫ | In the [[Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mtcsv.org/history-of-marthoma-church/|title = History of Marthoma Church – Marthoma Church of Silicon Valley}}</ref> which is based in India, the metropolitan also known as the [[Mar Thoma (disambiguation)|Mar Thoma]]<!--intentional link to DAB page--> is the primate and supreme head of the church who is entitled to special privileges and remains the ultimate authority over the synod. [[Philipose Mar Chrysostom]] is the senior metropolitan as of 28 August 2007, and [[Joseph Mar Thoma]] was installed on 2 October 2007 as the 21st Malankara Metropolitan. |
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⚫ | In the [[Mar Thoma Syrian Church]]<ref>http://mtcsv.org/history-of-marthoma-church/</ref> which is based in India, the metropolitan also known as the [[Mar Thoma (disambiguation)|Mar Thoma]]<!--intentional link to DAB page--> is the primate and supreme head of the church who is entitled to special privileges and remains the ultimate authority over the synod. [[Philipose Mar Chrysostom]] is the senior metropolitan as of 28 August 2007, and [[Joseph Mar Thoma]] was installed on 2 October 2007 as the 21st Malankara Metropolitan. |
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⚫ | In the [[Anglican Communion]], a metropolitan is generally the head of an ecclesiastical province (or cluster of [[dioceses]]). In the few Anglican churches with multiple provinces headed by metropolitans (namely the [[Church of England]], the [[Church of Ireland]], the [[Anglican Church of Canada]], the [[Anglican Church of Australia]], and the [[Church of Nigeria]]), a metropolitan ranks immediately under the [[primate (bishop)|primate]] or senior metropolitan of the national church.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.anglican.ca/help/faq/ac-provinces/|title=Anglican Communion: Member Churches}}</ref> Most metropolitans, but not all, are styled archbishop. In England, Ireland, and Australia, each province has a "metropolitical see" whose diocesan bishop is ''ex officio'' metropolitan (such as the Archbishops of Canterbury and Sydney), while in Canada metropolitans are elected by the provincial houses of bishops from among the sitting diocesans. Prior to 1970, however, the metropolitan of the [[Ecclesiastical Province of the Northern Lights|Province of Rupert's Land]] was always the bishop of the [[Anglican Diocese of Rupert's Land|eponymous diocese]], centred on Winnipeg. (Since then, only one Bishop of Rupert's Land, [[Walter H. Jones (bishop)|Walter Jones]], has been elected metropolitan). |
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==Other Protestant== |
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The title is used by the Indian [[Oriental Protestant Christianity|Oriental Protestant]] [[Syriac Christianity|Syrian Christian]]-like [[ |
The title is used by the Indian [[Oriental Protestant Christianity|Oriental Protestant]] [[Syriac Christianity|Syrian Christian]]-like [[Pentecostal]] denomination the [[Believers Eastern Church]] as the current main leader of the church. |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | In the [[Anglican Communion]], a metropolitan is generally the head of an ecclesiastical province (or cluster of [[dioceses]]). In the few Anglican churches with multiple provinces headed by metropolitans (namely the [[Church of England]], the [[Church of Ireland]], the [[Anglican Church of Canada]], the [[Anglican Church of Australia]], and the [[Church of Nigeria]]), a metropolitan ranks immediately under the [[primate (bishop)|primate]] or senior metropolitan of the national church.<ref>http://www.anglican.ca/help/faq/ac-provinces/</ref> Most metropolitans, but not all, are styled archbishop. In England, Ireland, and Australia, each province has a "metropolitical see" whose diocesan bishop is ''ex officio'' metropolitan (such as the Archbishops of Canterbury and Sydney), while in Canada metropolitans are elected by the provincial houses of bishops from among the sitting diocesans. Prior to 1970, however, the metropolitan of the [[Province of Rupert's Land]] was always the bishop of the [[Anglican Diocese of Rupert's Land|eponymous diocese]], centred on Winnipeg. (Since then, only one Bishop of Rupert's Land, [[Walter H. Jones (bishop)|Walter Jones]], has been elected metropolitan). |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{ |
{{EB1911 poster|metropolitan}} |
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* {{cite web |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/data/typemetr.htm |title=List of Catholic Metropolitan Archdioceses in the world |publisher=GCatholic.org}} |
* {{cite web |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/data/typemetr.htm |title=List of Catholic Metropolitan Archdioceses in the world |publisher=GCatholic.org}} |
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* {{CathEncy|wstitle=Metropolitan}} |
* {{CathEncy|wstitle=Metropolitan}} |
Latest revision as of 12:24, 1 June 2024
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In Christian churches with episcopal polity, the rank of metropolitan bishop, or simply metropolitan (alternative obsolete form: metropolite[1]), pertains to the diocesan bishop or archbishop of a metropolis.
Originally, the term referred to the bishop of the chief city of a historical Roman province, whose authority in relation to the other bishops of the province was recognized by the First Council of Nicaea (AD 325).[2] The bishop of the provincial capital, the metropolitan, enjoyed certain rights over other bishops in the province, later called "suffragan bishops".[3]
The term metropolitan may refer in a similar sense to the bishop of the chief episcopal see (the "metropolitan see") of an ecclesiastical province. The head of such a metropolitan see has the rank of archbishop and is therefore called the metropolitan archbishop of the ecclesiastical province. Metropolitan (arch)bishops preside over synods of the bishops of their ecclesiastical province, and canon law and tradition grant them special privileges.
In some churches, such as the Church of Greece, a metropolis is a rank granted to all episcopal sees. Their bishops are all called metropolitans, the title of archbishop being reserved for the primate.
Origins
[edit]As Christianity expanded in the Roman Empire, larger concentrations of believers were to be found in urban environs. The Bishop of such cities came to hold a pre-eminence of honour in the province of which his diocese was the capital, with some eventually gaining a primacy even over other provinces with their own primus inter pares. By the middle of the 3rd century Carthage had become the leading see in Roman North Africa.[4] The Council of Nicea codified this arrangement into canon law[5] in accordance with the growing standardisation of ecclesiastical diocesan structure along the lines of secular Roman blueprints. It also gave the first documented use of the term "Metropolitan" in reference to such bishops as had the presidency over a province. Meanwhile, Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch had grown in ecclesiastical prominence such that by the early 4th century they had long-recognised jurisdiction over more than one province of bishops each. Alexandria had attained primacy over Roman Egypt, Roman Libya, and Pentapolis. The Bishop of Rome had Primatial authority over provinces within 100 miles of the city.[6] By virtue of their authority over multiple provinces, the sees of Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch were by this time already exercising "supra-metropolitan" reach that would later be extended and become known as Patriarchates.[6] After Nicaea the designation of Metropolitan applied to such sees as Caesarea and Carthage, which by the late 4th century had a recognised primacy over multiple provinces of Syria Palaestina and the wider Mahgreb, respectively.[7][4][6] With the Imperial Capital having moved to Byzantium in 330, the renamed city of Constantinople became increasingly important in church affairs of the Greek East. The See of Constantinople was granted Archepiscopal status prior to a council held in the city in 381. Coinciding with the city's use as the Imperial residence, the See of Milan was elevated to Metropolitan/Archepiscopal status by the time of the presidency of Ambrose (374-397)[8] and temporarily exercised primacy over Northern Italy (the Diocesis Italia annonaria, which included territory across the Alps to the Danube).[9] All provinces of Italy were under the broader Primatial oversight of the Archbishop of Rome at least by the end of the 4th century.[9]
Catholic Church
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Latin Church
[edit]In the Latin Church, an ecclesiastical province, composed of several neighbouring dioceses,[10] is headed by a metropolitan, the archbishop of the diocese designated by the Pope.[11] The other bishops are known as suffragan bishops.
The metropolitan's powers over the dioceses of his province, other than his own diocese, are normally limited to:
- supervising observance of faith and ecclesiastical discipline and notifying the Pope of any abuses;
- carrying out, for reasons approved beforehand by the Holy See, a canonical inspection that the suffragan bishop has neglected to perform;
- appointing a diocesan administrator if the college of consultors fails to elect an at least 35-year-old priest within eight days after the vacancy of the see becomes known;[12] and
- serving as the default ecclesiastical court for appeals from decisions of the tribunals of the suffragan bishops.[13]
The metropolitan also has the liturgical privilege of celebrating sacred functions throughout the province, as if he were a bishop in his own diocese, provided only that, if he celebrates in a cathedral church, the diocesan bishop has been informed beforehand.[14]
The metropolitan is obliged to request the pallium, a symbol of the power that, in communion with the Church of Rome, he possesses over his ecclesiastical province.[15] This holds even if he had the pallium in another metropolitan see.
It is the responsibility of the metropolitan, with the consent of the majority of the suffragan bishops, to call a provincial council, decide where to convene it, and determine the agenda. It is his prerogative to preside over the provincial council.[16] No provincial council can be called if the metropolitan see is vacant.[17]
The Metropolitans of a given territory are also involved in the selection of bishops. Every three years, they compile a list of promovendis - a list of priests who may be suitable for the office of bishop. This is forwarded to the local Apostolic Nuncio, who evaluates the candidates in a consultative and confidential process. The Nuncio in turn forwards the best candidates to the Congregation for Bishops in Rome, who conduct a final evaluation of candidates and offer their findings to the Pope for his final decision of appointment.[18]
Eastern Catholic
[edit]Within patriarchal or major archiepiscopal churches
[edit]In those Eastern Catholic Churches that are headed by a patriarch, metropolitans in charge of ecclesiastical provinces hold a position similar to that of metropolitans in the Latin Church. Among the differences is that Eastern Catholic metropolitans within the territory of the patriarchate are to be ordained and enthroned by the patriarch, who may also ordain and enthrone metropolitans of sees outside that territory that are part of his Church.[19] Similarly, a metropolitan has the right to ordain and enthrone the bishops of his province.[20] The metropolitan is to be commemorated in the liturgies celebrated within his province.[21]
A major archbishop is defined as the metropolitan of a certain see who heads an autonomous Eastern Church not of patriarchal rank. The canon law of such a Church differs only slightly from that regarding a patriarchal Church.[22] Within major archepiscopal churches, there may be ecclesiastical provinces headed by metropolitan bishops.
As heads of their own particular churches
[edit]There are also autonomous Eastern Catholic Churches consisting of a single province and headed by a metropolitan. Metropolitans of this kind are to obtain the pallium from the Pope as a sign of his metropolitan authority and of his Church's full communion with the Pope, and only after his investment with it can he convoke the Council of Hierarchs and ordain the bishops of his autonomous Church.[23] In his autonomous Church it is for him to ordain and enthrone bishops[24] and his name is to be mentioned immediately after that of the Pope in the liturgy.[25]
Eastern Orthodox Church
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In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the title of metropolitan is used variously, in terms of rank and jurisdiction.
In terms of rank, in some Eastern Orthodox churches metropolitans are ranked above archbishops in precedence, while in others that order is reversed. Primates of autocephalous Eastern Orthodox churches below patriarchal rank are generally designated as archbishops. In the Greek Orthodox churches, archbishops are ranked above metropolitans in precedence. The reverse is true for some Slavic Orthodox churches (Russian Orthodox, Bulgarian Orthodox) and also for Romanian Orthodox Church, where metropolitans rank above archbishops and the title can be used for important regional or historical sees.
In terms of jurisdiction, there are two basic types of metropolitans in Eastern Orthodox Church: real metropolitans, with actual jurisdiction over their ecclesiastical provinces, and honorary metropolitans who are in fact just diocesan bishops with honorary title of metropolitan and no jurisdiction outside their own diocese.
Some Eastern Orthodox churches have functioning metropolitans on the middle (regional) level of church administration. In Romanian Orthodox Church there are six regional metropolitans who are the chairmen of their respective synods of bishops, and have special duties and privileges. For example, metropolitan of Oltenia has regional jurisdiction over four dioceses.
On the other hand, in some Eastern Orthodox churches title of metropolitan is only honorary, with no special or additional jurisdiction. In Serbian Orthodox Church, honorary title of metropolitan is given to diocesan bishops of some important historical sees (Article 14 of the Constitution of Serbian Orthodox Church).[26] For example, diocesan bishop of the Eparchy of Montenegro and the Littoral is given the honorary title of metropolitan, but without any jurisdiction over other diocesan bishops in Montenegro. Diocesan bishop of the Eparchy of Dabar-Bosnia is also given the honorary title of metropolitan, but without any jurisdiction over other diocesan bishops in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Oriental Orthodox Communion
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Malankara churches
[edit]Metropolitan is a title used by all Oriental Orthodox Churches in Malankara. Malankara Metropolitan was a legal title given to the head of the Malankara Syrian Church, aka Puthencoor (New Allegiance) Syrian Christians, by the Government of Travancore and Cochin in South India. This title was awarded by a proclamation from the King of Travancore and the King of Cochin to the legal head of the Malankara Church. The Supreme Court of India has authenticated the usage of the title by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in its verdict in the Malankara Church case.
Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II was enthroned as Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan on 1 November 2010 at Parumala, Kerala. Under his see, the dioceses are further headed by diocesan metropolitans.
Other Eastern Christians
[edit]In the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church[27] which is based in India, the metropolitan also known as the Mar Thoma is the primate and supreme head of the church who is entitled to special privileges and remains the ultimate authority over the synod. Philipose Mar Chrysostom is the senior metropolitan as of 28 August 2007, and Joseph Mar Thoma was installed on 2 October 2007 as the 21st Malankara Metropolitan.
Anglican
[edit]In the Anglican Communion, a metropolitan is generally the head of an ecclesiastical province (or cluster of dioceses). In the few Anglican churches with multiple provinces headed by metropolitans (namely the Church of England, the Church of Ireland, the Anglican Church of Canada, the Anglican Church of Australia, and the Church of Nigeria), a metropolitan ranks immediately under the primate or senior metropolitan of the national church.[28] Most metropolitans, but not all, are styled archbishop. In England, Ireland, and Australia, each province has a "metropolitical see" whose diocesan bishop is ex officio metropolitan (such as the Archbishops of Canterbury and Sydney), while in Canada metropolitans are elected by the provincial houses of bishops from among the sitting diocesans. Prior to 1970, however, the metropolitan of the Province of Rupert's Land was always the bishop of the eponymous diocese, centred on Winnipeg. (Since then, only one Bishop of Rupert's Land, Walter Jones, has been elected metropolitan).
Other Protestant
[edit]The title is used by the Indian Oriental Protestant Syrian Christian-like Pentecostal denomination the Believers Eastern Church as the current main leader of the church.
See also
[edit]- Exarch
- Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral
- List of Metropolitans and Patriarchs of Moscow
- List of Metropolitans of the Indian Orthodox Church
References
[edit]- ^ "metropolite". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
- ^ First Council of Nicaea, canon IV
- ^ Cross, F. L.; Livingstone, E. A., eds. (2005). "Metropolitan". The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-192-80290-3.
- ^ a b Hassett, Maurice M. (1908). Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 3. New York: Robert Appleton Company. . In Herbermann, Charles (ed.).
- ^ At canons 4 and 6
- ^ a b c Schaff, Philip; Wace, Henry (2022-04-29). A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series, Volume 14: The Seven Ecumenical Councils. Wipf and Stock Publishers. pp. 15–19, 438. ISBN 978-1-6667-4063-9.
- ^ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Caesarea Palaestinae". www.newadvent.org. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
- ^ Lizzi, Rita (1990). "Ambrose's Contemporaries and the Christianization of Northern Italy". The Journal of Roman Studies. 80: 156–173. doi:10.2307/300285. ISSN 0075-4358. JSTOR 300285. S2CID 162263728.
- ^ a b Hoare, F. R. (1954-01-01). The Western Fathers (1st ed.). Sheed & Ward. pp. xvi–xvii.
- ^ Code of Canon Law, canon 431
- ^ Code of Canon Law, canon 435
- ^ Code of Canon Law, canon 436 §1–2
- ^ Canon 1438 no. 1.
- ^ Code of Canon Law, canon 436 §3
- ^ Code of Canon Law, canon 437
- ^ Code of Canon Law, canon 442
- ^ Code of Canon Law, canon 440 §2
- ^ "To choose a bishop: A man for the Church, not a "ladder-climber" - Vatican News". 26 April 2021.
- ^ Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 86
- ^ Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 133
- ^ Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 135
- ^ Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canons 151–154
- ^ Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 156
- ^ Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 159
- ^ Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 161
- ^ "Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church". Serbian Orthodox Church.
- ^ "History of Marthoma Church – Marthoma Church of Silicon Valley".
- ^ "Anglican Communion: Member Churches".
External links
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- "List of Catholic Metropolitan Archdioceses in the world". GCatholic.org.
- Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. .