Archim.
Religion abbreviation · Religious Title
| Stands for | Archimandrite |
|---|---|
| Categories | Religion |
Archim. stands for Archimandrite, a religious title abbreviation.
Title in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches for a senior celibate priest, originally the head of a large monastery and now often an honorific for distinguished monastic clergy. Archimandrites are eligible to become bishops.
Example: The parish welcomed Archim. Nikolaos as its new rector.
Usage notes
The title comes from Greek for "chief of the sheepfold", meaning the monastery. Orthodox bishops are chosen from celibate clergy, which makes archimandrites a pool of candidates. In Greek-speaking churches the title is often given to celibate priests serving parishes or diocesan offices, not only monasteries.