püspök

Püspök is the Hungarian term for a bishop, a senior clergyman in many Christian churches who has spiritual and administrative authority over a diocese or similar district. In the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions, a bishop possesses the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders and is responsible for teaching doctrine, governing Catholics in his territory, sanctifying the faithful, and sustaining church discipline. A bishop confirms lay members, ordains new priests and deacons, and oversees the ordination of other clergy and the administration of sacraments within the diocese. He also maintains a cathedra, the bishop's official seat, in a cathedral, which serves as the central church of the diocese.

In practice, a diocese is led by a bishop who may be assisted by auxiliary bishops or a coadjutor bishop (the latter may have the right of succession). When a bishop heads an archdiocese, he is often called an archbishop (érsek in Hungarian); an archdiocese typically has metropolitan authority over a group of dioceses.

The appointment of bishops varies by church—often by election or nomination followed by confirmation by higher church authorities—and typically involves episcopal consecration by other bishops. Historically, bishops trace their authority to apostolic succession, a lineage dating to the early Christian communities.

The term püspök reflects the broader Christian institutional structure, in which bishops serve as local successors to the apostles, balancing spiritual leadership with governance over church property, schools, and charitable activities within their jurisdiction.