Catholicate meaning

Catholicate refers to the office or jurisdiction of a catholicos in certain Christian churches.


Catholicate definitions

Word backwards etacilohtac
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division ca-tho-li-cate
Plural The plural form of the word "catholicate" is "catholicates."
Total letters 11
Vogais (4) a,o,i,e
Consonants (4) c,t,h,l

Catholicate: The Highest Office in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Catholicate is a term used in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church to refer to the office of the Catholicos, the highest ecclesiastical position in the church. The term itself is derived from the Greek word "Katholikos," meaning universal or general. The Catholicos is the head of the church and is responsible for overseeing its spiritual and administrative affairs.

History of the Catholicate

The Catholicate of the East was established in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church in 1912. Prior to this, the church was under the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Antioch. However, due to various historical and political reasons, the Malankara church decided to establish its own Catholicate, thereby gaining autonomy from the Antiochian See.

Role of the Catholicos

The Catholicos is considered the spiritual father of the church and is responsible for upholding its faith, traditions, and doctrines. The office of the Catholicos is held by a bishop who is elected by a synod of bishops and priests within the church. The Catholicos is tasked with leading the church, consecrating bishops, and presiding over major church events and ceremonies.

Relations with the Patriarchate of Antioch

Despite gaining autonomy, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church still maintains a fraternal relationship with the Patriarchate of Antioch. The head of the church is known as the Catholicos of the East and is considered a peer of the Patriarch of Antioch. Both leaders work together to address common concerns and promote unity within the Syriac Orthodox community.

Significance of the Catholicate

The establishment of the Catholicate in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church marked a significant turning point in its history. It symbolized the church's desire for self-governance and independence while maintaining its ancient apostolic faith. The Catholicos continues to play a crucial role in preserving the traditions and spirituality of the church for future generations.


Catholicate Examples

  1. The catholicate of the Armenian Apostolic Church is located in the city of Etchmiadzin.
  2. The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has an autonomous catholicate in India.
  3. The title of catholicate is often used in reference to the office of a catholicos.
  4. The ancient catholicates of Seleucia-Ctesiphon played a significant role in early Christianity.
  5. Catholicate College in India is known for its educational excellence.
  6. The catholicate of the Syriac Orthodox Church is based in Damascus.
  7. The concept of a catholicate has roots in the early Christian church structure.
  8. She aspires to become a deaconess in the catholicate church.
  9. The catholicate of the East Syriac Church has its headquarters in Baghdad.
  10. The catholicate of the Oriental Orthodox Church is centered in Addis Ababa.


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  • Updated 21/04/2024 - 00:43:36