biskupství

Biskupství refers to the office, jurisdiction, and administration of a bishop in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, and some other Christian denominations. It encompasses the temporal and spiritual authority vested in a bishop. The term originates from the Greek word "episkopé," meaning oversight or supervision.

The jurisdiction of a bishop is known as a diocese or see, which is a geographical territory. Within this diocese, the bishop is responsible for the pastoral care of the faithful, the administration of sacraments, the ordination of clergy, and the governance of the Church's affairs. The bishop's cathedra, or throne, is a symbol of his teaching authority and is typically located in the cathedral church of the diocese.

Biskupství also includes the administrative apparatus that supports the bishop's work. This typically includes a curia, staffed by priests and lay people, who assist with various functions such as finances, legal matters, education, and pastoral outreach. The bishop is the chief administrator and often delegates specific responsibilities to members of his curia.

Historically, the concept of biskupství has evolved over centuries, with varying degrees of temporal power and influence depending on the historical period and geographical location. In modern times, the emphasis is primarily on the spiritual and pastoral leadership of the bishop within his diocese. The bishop is a successor to the apostles and holds a key position in the hierarchical structure of the Church.