abbot

An abbot is the head of a monastery in many Christian traditions. The word derives from Latin abbas, via Greek abbas, meaning father, reflecting the abbot's role as spiritual father to the monks. The female counterpart is the abbess; in some houses a prior may govern a community under an abbot in certain orders.

The abbot's responsibilities vary by order and period but commonly include providing spiritual leadership, ensuring observance of the community's rule, directing liturgical life, and maintaining discipline within the monastery. They supervise the monks' daily work, teaching, and formation, manage property and finances, and represent the monastery to church authorities and civil authorities. Some abbots also exercise external authority over associated estates, charities, and dependent communities.

Abbots are typically elected by the monastic community or appointed by higher church authority. In various historical contexts, abbots were elected by monks with papal or episcopal confirmation; in others they could be appointed directly by secular rulers, particularly in the Holy Roman Empire where some abbots were princes of the realm. Abbot's term length may be for life or until retirement or removal, depending on the rule.

In modern practice, many Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican monasteries continue to appoint abbots to guide monastic life, though some communities have restructured leadership. The role remains largely pastoral and administrative, emphasizing spiritual oversight, community governance, and stewardship of property and resources.