Topical Encyclopedia An eparchy, in the context of ecclesiastical terminology, refers to a diocese or a district under the jurisdiction of a bishop in certain Christian traditions, particularly within Eastern Christianity. The term is derived from the Greek word "eparchia," which historically referred to a province or a territorial division in the Roman Empire. In the ecclesiastical sense, it denotes a geographical area of pastoral care and administrative responsibility.Biblical Context and Historical Development While the specific term "eparchy" does not appear in the Bible, the concept of organized ecclesiastical territories under the leadership of bishops finds its roots in the New Testament and the early Church. The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, established churches in various cities and appointed elders to oversee them. This is evident in passages such as Titus 1:5 : "The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you." The early Church Fathers further developed the structure of church governance, leading to the establishment of dioceses and eparchies. The Council of Nicaea in AD 325 played a significant role in formalizing the hierarchical structure of the Church, which included the delineation of ecclesiastical territories. Role and Function In the context of an eparchy, the bishop serves as the chief shepherd and overseer, responsible for the spiritual and administrative needs of the faithful within the territory. The bishop's duties include teaching, sanctifying, and governing, as well as ensuring the proper administration of the sacraments. The Apostle Peter's exhortation in 1 Peter 5:2-3 reflects the pastoral role of a bishop: "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." Eparchy in Eastern Christianity In Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, the term "eparchy" is commonly used to describe a diocese. The structure and governance of eparchies in these traditions often reflect the ancient practices of the early Church, maintaining a strong emphasis on the collegial and conciliar nature of church leadership. The bishop of an eparchy is often assisted by priests, deacons, and lay leaders in fulfilling his pastoral duties. Significance in Church Tradition The establishment and maintenance of eparchies are vital for the Church's mission to spread the Gospel and nurture the faith of believers. The organization of the Church into eparchies ensures that the faithful receive consistent teaching and pastoral care, fostering unity and continuity within the broader Christian community. The Apostle Paul's instruction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2 underscores the importance of faithful leadership: "And the things you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." In summary, while the term "eparchy" itself is not found in the biblical text, the concept is deeply rooted in the scriptural and historical development of the Church's governance, reflecting the enduring need for structured pastoral care and oversight within the Christian community. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A province, prefecture, or territory, under the jurisdiction of an eparch or governor; esp., in modern Greece, one of the larger subdivisions of a monarchy or province of the kingdom; in Russia, a diocese or archdiocese.Library Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Thesaurus Eparchy (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Eparchy (2 Occurrences). Acts 23:34 And having read it, and asked of what eparchy he was, and learned that he was of Cilicia, (DBY). ... /e/eparchy.htm - 7k Epenetus (1 Occurrence) Epaphrodi'tus (2 Occurrences) Learned (70 Occurrences) Resources Eparchy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Eparchy (2 Occurrences)Acts 23:34 Acts 25:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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