Bishop

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Bishop (Anglo-Saxon via Lat. from Gk., episkopos). In Christian Churches, recognizing a threefold ministry (deacons, priests, bishops), the bishop is the highest order. In New Testament times, the offices of episkopos (literally, ‘overseer’) and presbyteros (‘elder’) are not distinguished (e.g. Titus 1. 5, 7).

Among the insignia traditional to the bishop are the throne in his cathedral, mitre, pastoral staff, pectoral cross, and ring. The most usual style of bishops is ‘Right Reverend’, or for archbishops ‘Most Reverend’.

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