Catholikosates

A Catholikosates was a high-ranking ecclesiastical title in the history of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It referred to the Chief Catholikos or the leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The term "Catholikos" is derived from the Greek words "katholikos" meaning "general" or "universal" and "kosmos" meaning "universe" or "world".

Historically, the title of Catholikos was held by the leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church, who was also the head of the church's hierarchy. The Catholikos was responsible for guiding the spiritual and administrative affairs of the church. The position of Catholikos was considered one of the most important in the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The title of Catholikos was originally introduced by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity in the 4th century. The first Catholikos was Saint Gregory's successor, Saint Aristaces. The position of Catholikos continued to hold great significance in the Armenian Apostolic Church throughout its history, with notable figures like Saint Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, and Saint Sahag the Great, a renowned theologian and church founder.

Today, the title of Catholikos is no longer used by the Armenian Apostolic Church, which has been reorganized into a modern patriarchate. The Catholicos of All Armenians is now known as the Patriarch of All Armenians. However, the legacy of the Catholikos continues to be an important part of the church's history and tradition.