Priest
From Wikipedia, a free encyclopedia written in simple English for easy reading.
A priest or priestess is a person who is allowed to do religious rites. Their office or position is the priesthood, a word which can also be used for such persons collectively. In most religions and cultures in history there have been priests, although they have a lot of different names, and follow different rules.
[edit] In Christianity
[edit] Catholic and Orthodox
A priest is a member of a church that has been told to look after his (spiritual) community. He is the head of a parish.
- Catholic priests are ordained (put in place) by the Pope (or in his absence: a bishop).
- Orthodox priests are odained by the Patriarch
- Most protestant religions know nothing about ordaining priests.
To become a catholic priest, you are required to study Theology. The Orthodox and Protestant Churches also have laymen as clergy.
Catholic priests are not allowed to marry. Orthodox priests can be married, but they must not marry after they become a priest.
The Catholic Church does not allow women to become priests.
This short article can be made longer. You can help Wikipedia by adding to it.