Catholikos

A Catholikos is a high-ranking title within certain Eastern Christian churches. The term originates from Greek and generally means "universal" or "in accordance with the whole." Historically, it has been used to denote the supreme head of an autocephalous church, meaning a church that is independent and self-governing. The specific authority and responsibilities of a Catholikos can vary significantly depending on the denomination.

In the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Catholikos holds the supreme ecclesiastical authority, serving as the patriarch and spiritual leader of all Armenians. There are currently two Catholikosates within the Armenian Apostolic Church: the Catholicosate of All Armenians in Etchmiadzin, and the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia. Both hold significant religious and cultural importance.

The Assyrian Church of the East also uses the title Catholikos-Patriarch for its supreme head. This office holds primacy over the entire church. Other Eastern Christian traditions may use similar titles or have historical instances of a Catholikos holding a prominent position. The role is intrinsically linked to the organizational structure and historical development of these particular branches of Christianity.