What does patriarchate mean?
A patriarchate is a jurisdiction, territory, or sphere of authority belonging to a patriarch. Its best-known modern use is in the naming of major Eastern Orthodox jurisdictions, such as the Moscow Patriarchate. In a broader historical sense, the word may refer to the patriarch's office, dignity, or governing power rather than to a physical territory. The term is particularly associated with Christian church structures in which a senior hierarch exercises oversight over an extensive regional church. It should not be confused with patriarchy, which primarily denotes a family or social system organized around authority held by the eldest members. Although a patriarchate may involve considerable political and cultural influence, its defining feature is ecclesiastical jurisdiction under a patriarch.
nounA patriarchate is a territory or ecclesiastical jurisdiction governed by a patriarch, especially within the Eastern Orthodox and some Oriental Christian churches. The term can also denote the office, authority, or position of a patriarch.
- An ecclesiastical territory or jurisdiction governed by a patriarch.
- The office, dignity, or authority of a patriarch.
"The congregation was invited to participate in an ecumenical gathering held under the auspices of the Moscow Patriarchate."
"The dispute concerned control of a historic patriarchate in the eastern Mediterranean."
"At the council, the patriarchate was represented by senior members of the senior clergy."
"The account describes the founding and expansion of a medieval patriarchate."
Used for multiple patriarchal jurisdictions or for multiple instances of the patriarch's office or authority.
"The reform affected several patriarchates across the region."
A patriarchate is a region whose spiritual ruler bears the title of patriarch rather than bishop or pope.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patriarchate come from?
The word comes through Latin from Greek patriarchēs, meaning "father-ruler" or "ruler of a family." The Greek element combines patēr, "father," with arkheō, "to rule." English adopted the ecclesiastical term in the early modern period for the jurisdiction or authority of a patriarch.
Related word forms
How patriarchate is actually used
The word is chiefly used in ecclesiastical, historical, and political contexts. It is more common in descriptions of Orthodox and certain Oriental Christian jurisdictions than in descriptions of jurisdictions headed by popes or bishops.
Easily confused with patriarchate
A patriarchate is the jurisdiction or office of a patriarch, whereas a patriarchy is a social system in which authority is held by the eldest members of a family.