List of religious titles and styles

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This is an index of religious honorifics from various religions.

Contents

Buddhism

Buddhist honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
Dalai Lama
Gaden Tripa
Panchen Lama
Ani
Dob-dob
Dorje Lopön
Gyalwang Drukpa
Gelongma
Geshe
Je Khenpo
Karmapa
Khenpo
Lama The teachers of Dharma in Tibet.
Pandita
Rinpoche
Third Bardor Tulku Rinpoche
Shabdrung
Shamarpa
Tai Situpa
Tulku In Tibetan Buddhism, a Lama who has through phowa and siddhi consciously determined to be reborn, often many times, in order to continue their Bodhisattva vow.
Acharya
Agga Maha Pandita
Ajahn
Ajari
Anāgāmi
Anagarika
Arhat
Ayya
Bhikkhu
Bhikkhuni
Bodhisattva
Chakravartin
Dhammacari
Dharmarakṣita (Sanskrit "Protected by the Dharma")
Jisha
Kaisan
Maha Kapphina
Mae ji
Mahasiddha
Oshō
Pratyekabuddha
Rōshi
Sakadagami
Samanera
Samaneri
Sāvakabuddha
Sayadaw
Sensei
Sikkhamānā
Singhai
Sotāpanna
Śrāvaka
Sunim
Temple boy
Tenzo
Thero
Thilashin
Unsui
Upajjhaya
Upāsaka and Upāsikā
Vajracharya

Christianity

Eastern Orthodox

Eastern Orthodox honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Ecumenical Patriarch [insert name], His All-Holiness, Your All-Holiness.
Bishop of Constantinople, with primacy within Orthodox communion; Successor of Saint Andrew the Apostle, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ
Patriarch Patriarch [insert name] of [place], Patriarch, His Beatitude, Your Beatitude.

The Patriarch of Alexandria is successor of Mark the Evangelist, author of the Gospel of Mark.
The Patriarch of Antioch is one of the successors of Saint Peter, one of the Apostle of Jesus Christ.
The Patriarch of Jerusalem is successor of Saint James the Just, one of Apostles of Jesus Christ.

Archbishop of an independent ChurchThe Most Reverend Archbishop [insert name] of [place], Archbishop John, His Beatitude, Your Beatitude.
Archbishop of a sub-national ChurchThe Most Reverend Archbishop [insert name] of [place], Archbishop John, His Eminence, Your Eminence.
Metropolitan The Most Reverend Metropolitan [insert name] of [place], Metropolitan John, His Eminence, Your Eminence.
Titular MetropolitanThe Most Reverend Metropolitan [insert name] of [place], His Excellency, Your Excellency. Some Metropolitans use the style "The Very Most Reverend", and a Metropolitan who is the head of an independent Church is addressed as "Beatitude" rather than "Excellency".
Bishop The Most Reverend Bishop [insert name] of [place], Bishop [insert name], His Grace, Your Grace.
Titular/Auxiliary BishopSame as for Bishops, above, and in other languages Sayedna (Arabic), Despota (Greek), Vladika (Russian).
Priest (Presbyter)The Reverend Father or Father.
Protopriest The Very Reverend Protopriest or Father.
Archpriest The Very Reverend Archpriest [insert name] or Father.
Archimandrite The Very Reverend Archimandrite [insert name], or The Right Reverend Archimandrite, or Father.
Hieromonk (Priest-monk)The Reverend Hieromonk or Father. In other languages Abouna (Arabic), Pappas (Greek), Batushka (Russian)
Priest's WifePresbytera Mary (Greek), Khouria Mary (Arabic), Matushka Mary (Russian), Popadiya Mary (Serbian), Panimatushka (Ukrainian)
Deacon The Reverend Father [insert name], Deacon [insert name], Father [insert name], Deacon Father [insert name], Deacon [insert name]
Protodeacon The Reverend Protodeacon [insert name], Father [insert name], Deacon Father [insert name], Deacon [insert name]
Archdeacon The Reverend Archdeacon [insert name], Father [insert name], Deacon Father [insert name], Deacon [insert name].
Hierodeacon (Deacon-monk)The Reverend Hierodeacon [insert name], Father [insert name]
Deacon's WifeDiakonissa Mary (Greek), or the same titles as a priest's wife
Abbot The Right Reverend Abbot [insert name], Abbot [insert name], Father [insert name]
Abbess The Reverend Mother Superior [insert name], The Very Reverend Abbess [insert name], Reverend Mother [insert name], Mother [insert name]
Monk Monk [insert name], Father [insert name]
Rassophore MonkRassophore Monk [insert name], Father [insert name]
Stavrophore MonkStavrophore Monk [insert name], Father [insert name]
Schemamonk Schemamonk [insert name], Father [insert name]
Novice Novice [insert name]; or Brother [insert name]. The title "Brother" is a result of Latin influence; the title is only given to some novices with a special blessing.
Nun Nun [insert name], Mother [insert name]
Rassophore NunRassophore Nun [insert name], Sister [insert name]
NoviceSister [insert name]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Latter Day Saints honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
Apostle "Elder [surname]"
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (or Acting President)"President [surname]"
Bishop "Bishop [surname]" (the title is often retained as a courtesy after the individual is released from the calling)
Counselors in a Bishopric "Brother [surname]"
Presiding Bishop and counselors in the Presiding Bishopric"Bishop [surname]" (the title is often retained as a courtesy after the individual is released from the calling)
Branch president "President [surname]"
Counselors in a branch presidency"Brother [surname]"
Deacon "Brother [surname]"
District President and counselors in a district presidency"President [surname]"
Elder "Brother [surname]" (except for full-time missionaries, in which case it is "Elder [surname]")
High priest "Brother [surname]" (except for full-time missionaries, in which case it is "Elder [surname]")
Full-time missionaries (female)"Sister [surname]"
Full-time missionaries (male)"Elder [surname]"
Mission president "President [surname]"
Counselors in a mission presidency "President [surname]"
Mission president's wife"Sister [surname]"
Patriarch "Brother [surname]" or "Patriarch [surname]"
Presiding Patriarch "Elder [surname]" or "Patriarch [surname]"
Priest "Brother [surname]"
President of the Church and counselors in the First Presidency "President [surname]"
Presidents of the Seventy "Elder [surname]"
Seventy "Elder [surname]"
Local and general Relief Society, Young Women, Young Men, Sunday School, and Primary presidents"President [surname]"
Stake President and counselors in a stake presidency"President [surname]"
Teacher "Brother [surname]"
Temple president "President [surname]"
Counselors in a temple presidency "President [surname]"
Matron (temple president's wife)"Sister [surname]"
Assistant to the Matron (wife of a temple presidency counselor)"Sister [surname]"
President (LDS Church honorific) "President [surname]" is used for most positions that use the word "President" in the title (including all quorum presidents), with the following exceptions:
  • "Elder [surname]" is used for members of the Presidency of the Seventy
  • People in positions that use the word "Presiding" in the formal name are never called "President [surname]"

Protestantism

Protestant Christian honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
Preacher Some churches in the United States
Pastor
Reverend
Elder Some Presbyterian denominations distinguish between Teaching Elder (aka Minister of Word and Sacrament or Pastor) and Ruling Elder. Teaching Elders are ordained by the Presbytery and fill the role of pastor. Ruling Elders are ordained by the local church and serve on a board that leads the church.
Deacon
Priestess Specific to Christian spiritualist, Independent protestant, and Non-denominational Christian, women who are ministers. [1] [2] [3]
Bishop See also Bishop (Catholic Church)
Archbishop
Resident Bishop This title is exclusive to the United Methodist Church.
Doctor Most common in non-mainline churches (Doctor of Metaphysics (D.o.M. or Latin Dr. mph.) and Doctor of Divinity (D.o.D., alternative: D.D.). High ranking teachers in certain evangelical institutions bear the title "Scolasticus Theologicae" or “Professor” (ecclesiastical) (Pundit/Clerical professor of Theology). These are clerical titles, not academic.

Catholicism

Catholicism titles
RoleDescription
Pope "His Holiness", "Your Holiness"

Bishop of Rome, with primacy within the universal college of bishops. Presiding bishop of the entire Catholic communion, Patriarch of the Latin Church, Primate of Italy, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Roman Province, Successor of Saint Peter.

Patriarch "His Beatitude", "Your Beatitude"

The presiding bishop of an autocephalous, sui iuris , or autonomous church.

Cardinal "His Eminence", "Your Eminence"

A member of the college of cardinals, given secondary incardination to the Church of Rome and therefore as electors of the bishop of Rome (pope). An adjunct honor and responsibility on top of their primary office (as arch/bishop of a diocese, president of a dicastery, nuncio, etc)

Major Archbishop "His Excellency", "Your Excellency" / Most Reverend

Major archbishops are the heads of some of the Eastern Catholic Churches. Their authority within their sui juris church is equal to that of a patriarch, but they receive fewer ceremonial honors.

Primate Primate can be used as synonymous for "presiding bishop" at any level within the church - e.g., a patriarch is primate within his autonomous church, a Metropolitan is primate within his province, etc.

Most commonly in the Latin Church, it is a title given to the bishop of the oldest diocese or local church within a nation or country, and historically would preside over national synods (now a role taken on by elected presidents of bishops conferences).

Metropolitan Archbishop "His Excellency", "Your Excellency" / Most Reverend

A metropolitan archbishop is an bishop of a diocese which has primacy within an ecclesiastical province, or group of dioceses. In addition to his regular duties as diocesan bishop, he presides over meetings of all the bishops in a province. Sometimes a metropolitan may also be the head of an autocephalous, sui iuris , or autonomous church when the number of adherents of that tradition are small. In the Latin Rite, metropolitans are always archbishops; in many Eastern churches, the title is "metropolitan," with some of these churches using "archbishop" as a separate office.

Archbishop "His Excellency", "Your Excellency" / Most Reverend

While most archbishops are metropolitan archbishops, on occasion a non-Metropolitan may be a titular archbishop, an archbishop ad personam, coadjutor archbishops, or diocesan archbishops whose see is no longer a metropolitan see. In these cases it is largely an honorific only.

Bishop "His Excellency", "Your Excellency" / Most Reverend, Most Rev.

Most bishops are the chief pastor of a diocese or eparchy with geographical boundaries, having authority over all of presbyters, deacons, and lay ecclesial ministers therein. A coadjutor bishop is an assistant bishop who has the automatic right to succeed the incumbent diocesan bishop. The appointment of coadjutors is often seen as a means of providing for continuity of church leadership.

An auxiliary bishop is a titular bishop who is an assistant to a diocesan bishop. He is to be appointed as a vicar general or at least as an episcopal vicar of the diocese in which he serves. [4]

A titular bishop is an official who is ordained bishop but not functioning in an episcopal office, so is given title to a defunct diocese (a titular see). He may serve as an auxiliary bishop of a diocese or as an official of the Roman Curia.

Vicar General Very Reverend, Very Rev., Reverend Monsignor, Rev. Msgr.

A presbyter granted vicarious authority from a diocesan bishop for the entire diocese, as a kind of "vice bishop" for administrative purposes. Often also acts as moderator of the curia / chief of staff.

Chorbishop A chorbishop is an official of a diocese in some Eastern Christian churches. Chorbishops are not generally ordained bishops – they are not given the sacrament of Holy Orders in that degree – but function as assistants to the diocesan bishop with certain honorary privileges.
Abbot, PriorRight Reverend, Rt. Rev.

The monk in charge of a monastery or abbey, usually also ordained to the presbyterate.

Abbess, Prioress Reverend Mother, Mother Abbess

The nun in charge of a monastery, convent, or abbey. In some traditions, ordained to the diaconate.

Episcopal Vicar Very Reverend, Very Rev.

A bishop or priest granted vicarious authority from a diocesan bishop for a specific area of ministry (e.g., Judicial Vicar, Vicar for Clergy, etc.). A deacon or lay ecclesial minister may be appointed to the same role, but typically called by a different title.

Vicar Forane, Dean Very Reverend, Very Rev.

A presbyter (or, historically, a deacon) with primacy within a specific deanery or vicariate, a subdivision of a diocese consisting of several parishes.

Knight/Dame of the Order of Pius IX, the Order of St. Gregory, the Order of Pope St. Sylvester"Sir", "Dame"

Three classes of papal honours for laity. Purely honorary.

Protonotary Apostolic, Honorary Prelate, Chaplain of His Holiness Reverend Monsignor, Rev. Msgr., or simply Monsignor.

Three classes of papal honours for clergy. Purely honorary.

Canon Very Reverend, Very Rev., Canon [5] Members of a 'chapter' of a cathedral or other significant church. Originally indicative of simply a community of clergy living a semi-religious/monastic life, now often used purely as an honorific.
Presbyter, PriestReverend, Rev., Father

Presbyter is the official name of the ministers commonly called 'priest'; persons ordained to the presbyterate. Presbyters are ordained as ministers of word and sacrament, most commonly assigned to serve as pastors of parishes or to assist in this ministry.

Pastor, "parish priest"Presbyter given charge of a parish or other stable community of the faithful, under the authority of the diocesan bishop. Supervises other presbyters, deacons, and lay ecclesial ministers serving in the parish.

A deacon or lay ecclesial minister may serve in this role, but is given a different title (e.g., Pastoral Life Director, Pastoral Coordinator, etc.)

Parochial VicarA presbyter assigned to assist at a parish, under the authority of the pastor.
Deacon (Permanent/Vocational)Referred to as Reverend Deacon, or Deacon.

A minister ordained to the diaconate, as a collaborator with the bishop and extension of his ministry. Traditionally an alternate vocational path equal to and alongside the presbyterate.

Lay Ecclesial Ministers, Pastoral Workers, CatechistsReferred to by appropriate civil titles (Dr., Mr., Ms., etc.)

Non-ordained yet vocational and professional ministers authorised by the diocesan bishop or other ecclesiastical authority. Typically with the same education and formation as a presbyter or deacon.

Chaplain A minister who has been entrusted with the spiritual care of some specific organization. May be ordained or a lay ecclesial minister.
Religious Brothers, including monks, friarsReferred to as Brother, Br., or Rev. Br.

A man who has taken solemn vows to a form of community life.

Religious Sisters, including nuns Referred to as Sister, Sr., or Rev. Sr.

A woman who has taken solemn vows to a form of community life.

Transitional Deacon (seminarian)Referred to as Reverend Mister, Rev. Mr.
FatherThe style "Father" is an ancient form of address for any clergy: Bishop, Presbyter, or (permanent) Deacon. Only transitional deacons should not be addressed as such.

In some cultures, it is most common to refer to bishops by their title or style (e.g., Bishop Peter), only presbyters as "Father", and deacons as "Deacon".

Hinduism

Hinduism honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
Abhyasi "One who studies"
Acharya Head of Organization (can marry and have children)
Bhagat Devotee
Chakravartin the emperor of whole earth
Shankaracharya
Devadasi a woman devotee who is living for god
Dvija
Firekeeper
Godman The Godman is a Hindu ascetic
Goswami
Guru Originally referring in Sanskrit to Brihaspati, a Hindu divine figure, today the term is commonly used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, as well as in many new religious movements.
Gymnosophists
Jagad guru world guru or world teacher
Mahamandaleshwar
Mahant Head of an Organization (could be an Acharya or Sadhu)
Maharshi great sage Or great rishi
Mantrik a priest who knows black magic
Melshanthi
Pandit Brahmin scholar or teacher or any person who is scholar in anything
Paramahamsa Refers to the 500 Paramhamsa (Sadhus) initiated by Purna Purushottam Nārāyan (Bhagwan Swaminarayan)
Paramguru the ultimate teacher or ultimate guru
Pujari a priest who does worship to god or goddess
Rajarshi the king of all sage, or a king who lives like a sage
Rishi or "Sadhu"
Rishi Muni same as "Rishi"
Sadhaka higher level of disciple, student who is of highest level in knowledge or on path of enlightenment
Sadhu Religious ascetic or holy person. Dressed in saffron clothes. Sadhus live a life free from greed, ego, lust, anger, and other panchvishays (pleasure senses). Placed at the top of the caste pyramid. Also known as Monks, Yogi, Saints, Sant, Santos, or Sadhus.
Saint Also known as Sadhu, Sant, Santos.
Sannyasa Leaving one's life and joining Sainthood. Becoming a Sadhu.
Sant Also known as Sadhu, Saint, Santos.
Satguru "True Guru"
Shaunaka
Shishya disciple, student of guru
Swami An ascetic or yogi who has been initiated into the religious monastic order founded by Adi Sankara, [6] or to a religious teacher. [7] When used as a prefix with a monastic name, "Swami" usually refers to men who have taken the oath of renunciation and abandoned their social status. The monastic name is usually a single word without a first and last name.
Yogi "One who meditates" Also a word for Sadhu, Saint, Sant, Monk.

Islam

Islamic honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
ʿAlayhiṣ ṣalāt wa as salāmMeans "Upon him prayer and peace"; used for all earlier Prophets and Angels.
ʿAlayhi wa ʿalā ālihi aṣ ṣalāt wa as salāmMeans "Upon him and his family be prayer and peace"
Salawāt Allah ʿalayhi wa ālihiMeans "The exaltations of God shall be upon him and his family"
Salawat Allah wa Salamuhu 'Alayhi wa AlihiMeans "The exaltations and peace of God be upon him and his family"
Salla 'llah 'Alayhi wa Alihi wa Sahbihi wa sallamMeans, "May God exalt and bring peace upon him, his family, and his companions"
Salla 'llah 'alayhi wa Alihi wa sallamMeans, "May God exalt and bring peace upon him and his progeny"
Radiya Allaho 'anhoMeans "May God be pleased with him"; Used for companions of prophet as well as scholars
Akhoond
Allamah A Sunni Islam term meaning the most respected of the Marjas; it is a Persian name for teacher that is also used by some to denote a teacher of extraordinary respect.
Amir al-Mu'minin Leader of the faithful (only used for four Rashidun Caliphate)
Ash Shakur
Ayatollah In Shi'a Islam, a high ranking title given to clerics.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques was Used By Saladin, Sultan Of the Ottoman Empire and Recently used By the King of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Dervish One who never disappoint beggars
Emir
Habib
Hadrat Honorific title for all Muslims
Hajji One who performed the Hajj Pilgrimage
Imam In Shi'a Islam, the Imam is appointed by God, and Muhammed was informed that the number of Imams after him will be 12.
Karram-Allah-u Wajhahu Other Honorific title of Ali Ibn Abi Talib
Khwaja Teacher of All Saints at that time
Khoja A Turkestani word
Mahdi The 12th Imam will come either as a first time appearance or as a reappearance after a long occultation. The Mahdi is the greatest teacher, the Messiah of the Islamic World, and the Maitreya of Buddhism.
Makhdoom
Marabout A spiritual teacher of Islam as it is taught in the West Africa and Maghreb, The word comes from the Berber concept of Saint. The "marabout" is known as "Sayyed" (سيد) to the Arabic speaking Maghribians.
Marja In Shi'a Islam, The name means source to follow.
Mawlawi A Persian word for teacher meaning Master.
Mawlānā Learned one of Qur'an And Hadhith
Mohyeddin Means Reviver of the Faith or Reviver of Religion. The designation of Mohyeddin as a title carries religious connotations within Islamic theology, rooted in the concept of tajdid (renewal).
Moinuddin Helper of Religion (used only for Gharib Nawaz, Most famous Sufi of India
Mu'min Highest Rank For followers of Qur'Aan and Hadhith
Mufti A guide on the Path to the Source of living Water (the divine sharia law) is called Mufti.
Muhaddith Someone who has profound knowledge of the Haddith, and teaches by Narration, or storytelling.
Mullah The title of the teachers at the Madrasahs, Islamic schools. Mullah is a teacher in regard of being respected as a vicar and guardian of Qur'an and the Islamic traditions.
Mujaddid Someone sent by God to aid the Umma and revive Islam at the beginning of every century .
Murshid Spiritual Teacher
Otin
Peace be upon him Used for Friends of Allah
Pir Spiritual Leader [Male]
Pirani Spiritual Leader [Female]
Qalandar Mystic
Radhiallahu 'anhu Used for Friends of Allah with Highest Rank
Rahimahullah Used for Friends of Allah
Rais Chief, Leader (Arabic)
Sayyid Descendant of Prophet Muhammad's Daughter Named Fatima Al Zahra
Seghatoleslam In Shi'a Islam, is an honorific title, that designates narrators whose justice and trustworthiness have been explicitly verified.
Sharif To Give Respect
Sheikh An Arabic honorific term that literally means Elder. It is a long historic debate in many cultures whether the elder in itself denotes the role and status of a teacher.
Sheikh ul-Islam
Subhanahu wa ta'ala
Sultan King
Sultana King [Female] Used only for Razia Sultan of Delhi Sultanat
Thangal
Ulema/Ulama Ulema or Ulama are usually referred to as the docters of the Sacred Islamic Religion and Law. [8]
Ustaz Teacher (in Arabic)

Judaism

Jewish honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
Rabbi Literally means ‘great one’. The word Rabbi is derived from the Hebrew root word רַב, rav, which in biblical Hebrew means ‘great’ or ‘distinguished (in knowledge)’.
Av Beit Din
Chief Rabbi
ChoizerReb yoel
Fellow Student
Gadol
Gaon
Hakham
Hakham Bashi
Illui
Kohen Gadol
Lamdan
Maggid
Maran
Mashgiach ruchani
Mashpia
Meiniach
Nagid
Posek
Rav
Rebbe
Rishon LeZion
Rosh yeshiva
Savoraim
Segan
Talmid Chacham
Tzadik
Archipheracite
Badchen
Cantor This title has a different meaning in Reform Judaism.
Gabbai
Kohen
Mashgiach
Mashgiach ruchani
Mashpia
Melamed
Meshulach
Mohel
Cantorate This position had a different meaning to the Reform Jewish in the 19th Century.
Rosh yeshiva
Sandek
Schulklopfer
Shaliah
Shechita
Sofer
Tzadikim Nistarim
Rebbitzen
Rabbanit
Admo"r"Admor" is an acronym for "Adonainu, Morainu, VeRabbeinu," a phrase meaning "Our Master, Our Teacher, and Our Rebbe." This is an honorific title given to scholarly leaders of a Jewish community. In writing, this title is placed before the name, as in "Admor of Pinsk" or "R' (stands for Rabbi, Rav, or Reb) Ploni Almoni, Admor of Redomsk."
Shlit"a'Shlit"a' is an acronym for "Sheyikhye Lirot Yamim Tovim Arukim/Amen," "May he live a good long life" or "May he live a good life, Amen," given to a revered rabbi or to someone's child's Rebbe (teacher). This title is usually placed before the name.
K'vod K'dushat"K'vod K'dushat," meaning "The honor of [his] holiness". This title is usually placed before the name. It is found as early as in the 1531 edition of the Arukh. [9]
Shy'"Shy'" is an acronym for "Sheyikhye," meaning "May he live". This title is usually placed after the name.

Neopaganism

Pagan honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
Volkhvy Heathen priests among the pre-Christian Rus' people.
Zhrets Sacrificial and divinatory priests within the Slavic Religion
Gothi/GythiaA title sometimes used by adherents of Heathenism, referring to a priest or ceremonial leader.
Witch A title used by someone who practices Witchcraft. Many Wiccans are Witches because of the inclusion of witchcraft in many Wiccan traditions. Most Witches are not Wiccans and practice Traditional Craft or folk magic.
Priest/Priestess A title that may be used within various forms of Paganism. In Wicca, it denotes a male or female who has been initiated into the priesthood in the 1st or 2nd degree depending on the tradition.
High Priest/High Priestess A Wiccan role. One becomes a High Priest/ess once they attain the second or third degree, depending upon which tradition of Wicca they belong to.
Bard1st degree (after candidacy/initiation) title used by the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids that is primarily centered on song, spoken word, memory, tradition, and poetry. [10]
Ovate2nd degree used by the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. It is the centered on healing, divination, and herbalism. [11]
DruidA masculine term for someone who practices druidry, the indigenous spirituality of the Celts. People who belong to a grove or are members of a druid order will use this term generically regardless of gender to indicate they practice the overall faith instead of a holding the rank of a specific degree title. In the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, druid is the gender neutral 3rd degree, the priest title, centered on teaching, philosophy, mysticism, and other leadership roles. [12]
Druidess The female form of the word druid. A woman who practices the druid spirituality. Mainly found in Irish mythology.
ArchdruidA title that is held by the chief or head of a druid order. Sometimes independent groves (druid form of circle/coven) may have an archdruid, but generally this is reserved for the head of an entire organization such as the Reformed Druids of North America (RDNA), [13] The Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA), [14] Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (our own druidism in Irish), [15] and the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids in England. [16]
Solitary practitioner A person who practices Neopaganism alone and does not belong to a group, circle, grove or organization. Sometimes they may belong to a group or organization, but may live too far from other members to attend and chose to do a solitary practice. This is often the case with druid orders that are national and international organizations and have members spread out across the globe. Members of groups and organizations who attend functions will often have a solitary practice but this is not a "solitary practitioner".
Santero/SanteraA person who is the priest or priestess clergy in Santeria.
Houngan/Mambo A person who is the priest or priestess in Haitian Voodoo.

Raëlism

Raëlism honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
'Guide of Guides'The main head of Raëlian faith and self-described as 'Planetary Guide'
Bishop (Raëlism)Head of continental, national and regional chapters and self-subscribed as 'Continental head, National and Regional guides'
Priest (Raëlism)Head of National and regional chapters and self-subscribed as 'National and Regional guides'
Assistant PriestHead of Regional chapter and self-subscribed as 'Regional guide'
OrganizerLeader of the organized Raëlian group.
Assistant OrganizerAssistant to a leader of the Raëlian group.

Scientology

Scientology honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
Chairman (Scientology)The main head of Scientologist faith, Religious Technology Center, and Church of Spiritual Technology
Officer (Scientology)The head of Sea Org
President (Scientology)The head of most all Scientology-related organizations like the Church of Scientology International

Serer

Serer honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
Lamane "Master of the land". Ancient lamanic class of the Serer people. Guardians of Serer religion, laws and ethics. Extinct (see States headed by ancient Serer Lamanes).
Saltigue "Ministers of the religious cult". The Serer priestly class.

Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism honorifics and titles
RoleDescription
Mobad, Mobedyar
Herbad
Dastur

See also

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The Wheel of the Year is an annual cycle of seasonal festivals, observed by a range of modern pagans, marking the year's chief solar events and the midpoints between them. Modern pagan observances are based to varying degrees on folk traditions, regardless of the historical practices of world civilizations. British neopagans popularized the Wheel of the Year in the mid-20th century, combining the four solar events marked by many European peoples, with the four midpoint festivals celebrated by Insular Celtic peoples.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ár nDraíocht Féin</span> American neopagan druid organization

Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship, Inc. is a non-profit religious organization based in the United States, dedicated to the study and further development of modern Druidry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids</span> British Neo-Druidic organisation

The Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids or OBOD is a Neo-Druidic organisation based in England, but based in part on the Welsh Gorsedd of Bards. It has grown to become a dynamic druid organisation, with members in all parts of the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vates</span> Term for ancient Celtic bards, prophets and philosophers

In modern English, the nouns vates and ovate (, ), are used as technical terms for ancient Celtic bards, prophets and philosophers. The terms correspond to a Proto-Celtic word which can be reconstructed as *wātis. They are sometimes also used as English equivalents to later Celtic terms such as Irish fáith "prophet, seer".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Starwood Festival</span> American annual neopagan festival

The Starwood Festival is a seven-day New Age neopagan and world music festival. It takes place every July in the United States. The Starwood Festival is a camping event which holds workshops on a variety of subjects. There are also live musical performances, rituals, bonfires, multimedia presentations and social activities. It is a clothing optional event, and skyclad attendance is common.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Celtic neopaganism</span> Modern paganism based on ancient Celtic traditions

Celtic neopaganism refers to any type of modern paganism or contemporary pagan movements based on the ancient Celtic religion. One approach is Celtic Reconstructionism (CR), which emphasizes historical accuracy in reviving Celtic traditions. CR practitioners rely on historical sources and archaeology for their rituals and beliefs, including offerings to spirits and deities. Language study and preservation are essential, and daily life often incorporates ritual elements. While distinct from eclectic pagan and neopagan witchcraft traditions, there is some overlap with Neo-druidism.

Philip Carr-Gomm is an author in the fields of psychology and Druidry, a psychologist, and one of the leaders and former Chosen Chief of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.

Sally Eaton is an American Wiccan high priestess, liturgist, singer and actress, whose credits include creating and playing the role of Jeannie in the Broadway and off-Broadway stage productions of the musical Hair, and acting in Doric Wilson's plays Now She Dances! and Street Theater.

Ellen Evert Hopman is an author of both fiction and non-fiction, an herbalist, a lay homeopath, a lecturer, and a mental health counselor who lives and works in Western Massachusetts. She is the author of several books and audio tapes on Paganism and Druidry, and three novels.

Rev. Robert Lee "Skip" Ellison is a Druid priest and liturgist and an author in the fields of Druidry, Magic and divination. He was initiated into a Celtic Traditional Wiccan coven in 1982. He has been a member of the Druidic organization Ár nDraíocht Féin since 1990, serving on its Mother Grove since 1992. He served as ADF's Archdruid, and is Chief of its Magician's Guild. He was the grove Organizer for Muin Mound Grove, ADF, and became its second Senior Druid, a position he held since 1992. He has been a frequent speaker at Neo-Pagan events including the Starwood Festival, Sirius Rising, and the Wellspring Gathering. He has created a magical training system based on the trees of the forest, and has authored four books on Druidry and divination. He is also a retired industrial electrician.

Modern paganism in the United States is represented by widely different movements and organizations. The largest modern pagan religious movement is Wicca, followed by Neodruidism. Both of these religions or spiritual paths were introduced during the 1950s and 1960s from Great Britain. Germanic Neopaganism and Kemetism appeared in the US in the early 1970s. Hellenic Neopaganism appeared in the 1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Modern paganism in the United Kingdom</span> Movement of modern paganism in the UK

The Modern Pagan movement in the United Kingdom is primarily represented by Wicca and Neopagan witchcraft, Druidry, and Heathenry. 74,631 people in England, Scotland and Wales identified as either as Pagan or a member of a specific Modern Pagan group in the 2011 UK Census.

Philip Shallcrass, often known by his Druid name, Greywolf, is Chief of the British Druid Order. He is an English artist, writer, poet, musician and singer-songwriter who pioneered a "shamanic" Druidism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Druidry (modern)</span> Modern nature-based spiritual movement

Druidry, sometimes termed Druidism, is a modern spiritual or religious movement that promotes the cultivation of honorable relationships with the physical landscapes, flora, fauna, and diverse peoples of the world, as well as with nature deities, and spirits of nature and place. Theological beliefs among modern Druids are diverse; however, all modern Druids venerate the divine essence of nature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">British Druid Order</span> Religious organisation

The British Druid Order (BDO) is an international druid order, founded in 1979 as a religious and educational organisation. Its constitution defines it as a not-for-profit unincorporated association. It is commonly regarded as being one of the first, if not the first, explicitly neo-pagan Druid Orders. The order draws on medieval Welsh texts such as the Mabinogion and other early British/Celtic texts for inspiration and to re-connect with the pre-Christian, indigenous religious and spiritual practices of Britain which it believes to be shamanic in nature.

The Henge of Keltria (HoK) was an international druid order, founded in 1988 as a religious and educational organization. It was a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. It is commonly regarded as being one of the first explicitly Celtic-focused American Druid Orders. The order drew upon the Mythological Cycle of Irish mythology and some other early Celtic/British texts for inspiration.

Rev. Jean "Drum" Pagano is a Druid priest and the sixth Archdruid of the neopagan church Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF).

References

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