präst

Präst is a title for an ordained clergy member in Christian churches, particularly in Sweden and other Nordic countries. A präst serves as the spiritual leader of a parish or congregation, celebrating worship and the sacraments, preaching, and providing pastoral care. In addition to liturgical duties, präster often oversee church administration, supervise staff and volunteers, and represent the church in the community.

Training and ordination vary by denomination. In the Church of Sweden and most Lutheran bodies, a präst is ordained by a bishop after completing university-level theological studies and practical pastoral training at a seminary or equivalent program. The ordination authorizes the präst to lead worship, administer the Eucharist, perform baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals, and to provide pastoral care. Präster may serve in parishes, cathedrals, universities, hospitals, or as chaplains.

Gender and denominational variation: In Sweden, as in many countries, both men and women can be ordained as präster in the Church of Sweden and in many Protestant churches; some denominations maintain male-only ordination or have different rules. The Catholic Church, Orthodoxy, and some other traditions have distinct priestly rules, including language about celibacy and male ordination.

Etymology: The term derives from Latin presbyter, via Old Norse and Swedish, originally meaning elder. The concept developed from early Christian leadership structures and has taken different forms across denominations.