The term "high priest" usually refers either to an individual who holds the office of ruler-priest, or to one who is the head of a religious organisation.
In ancient Egypt, a high priest was the chief priest of any of the many gods revered by the Egyptians.
While not regarded as a dynasty, the High Priest of Amun at Thebes, Egypt were nevertheless of such power and influence that they were effectively the rulers of Upper Egypt from 1080 to c.943 BCE[1]
Depiction of a high priest in biblical costume, end of the 17th century, orientalising representation with turban, in the collection of the Jewish Museum of Switzerland
Zhang Lu was the third generation of Celestial Masters lineage from Zhang Daoling, was a high priest and appointed as General of the Household Who Guards Civilians (鎮民中郎將) and the Administrator of Hanning (漢寧太守) by imperial government.
Christian usage refers to Jesus Christ as the only high priest, for example in Catholic teaching he is described as "high priest of the new and eternal covenant".[5] Jesus' prayer as recorded in John 17 was called the precatio summi sacerdotis or "prayer of the high priest" by the Lutheran theologian David Chytraeus and earlier Church Fathers used similar terminology to refer to Jesus and his prayer in this chapter.[6]
The Celestial Masters was founded by Zhang Daoling in 142 CE, they have been the high priests and spiritual leaders in Zhengyi Order of Taoism until present days. The 63rd Celestial Master, Zhang En Pu eventually migrated to Taiwan in 1949.
The 16th-century Maya priesthood was headed by a high priest who instructed the other priests and advised the king.
Kahuna Nui, presides over the temple or heiau. Below the Kahuna Nui are various types and ranks of priests.
Chief Rabbi is the title given in several countries to the recognized religious leader of that country's Jewish community, or to a rabbinic leader appointed by the local secular authorities. Since 1911 Israel has had two chief rabbis, one Ashkenazi and one Sephardi.[8]
In Shinto, a high priest, called a Guji, is usually the highest-ranking priest (Kannushi) in a shrine.
Grand Mufti is the title for the leading Islamic jurist of a country, typically Sunni, who may oversee other muftis.
In Ásatrú, the high priest is called a goði (or gyða) and is the leader of a small group of practitioners collectively referred to as a Kindred. The goði are collectively known as the goðar. Some countries use the term Allsherjargoði for national multi-kindred organizations, most notably Iceland's.
In Wicca, High Priest and High Priestess are the roles of the man and woman who are leading a group ritual. High Priest and High Priestess are also titles sometimes conferred on the members of a Wiccan coven when they have completed their third, or fifth year of study and practice. Sometimes called Third degree, depending on path or tradition.
The High Priest and High Priestess are the two highest positions of leadership and administration within the Church of Satan.
In some Rodnover organisations in Russia, the volkhv is the title used for the high priest, or priests in higher ranks.
The phrase is also often used to describe someone who is deemed to be an innovator or leader in a field of achievement. For example, an 1893 publication describes ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes as having been "the high-priest of comedy".[11]
See also
Neal Boortz often refers to himself on air as the "High Priest of the Church of the Painful Truth".[12]
The High Priestess is the second trump or Major Arcana card in most traditional Tarot decks.
In Royal Arch Masonry the Excellent High Priest serves as leader of the chapter.
Singer Nina Simone is often referred to as the High Priestess of Soul.
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