High priest

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The term "high priest" may refer to an individual who holds the office of ruler-priest, or may refer to the head of a religious caste.

• In ancient Egypt, a high priest was the chief priest of any of the many gods revered by the Egyptians.
• In Hawaii, the high priest is called Kahuna Nui and presides over the temple or heiau. Below the Kahuna Nui are various types and ranks of priests.
• In Ásatrú, the high priest is called a goði (or gyða) and is the leader of a small group of practitioners collectively referred to as a Kindred. The goði are collectively known as the goðar.
• In Christianity a high priest could sometimes be compared with the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church, a Patriarch in an Eastern Orthodox Church, or a Primate in an Anglican or Episcopal church; but it is traditional to refer only to Jesus as the one high priest of Christianity.
• In Druidry, all members would be considered priests due to the historical role of the Druids as the priestly class of the Celts and Gauls. A "high priest" would likely be referred to as an Elder and would be a person who has practiced Druidry for a considerable amount of time.
• In Islam, a high priest may be called a caliph or a mullah.
• In Judaism and Samaritanism, a high priest is called a Kohen Gadol. The office is not filled while there is no functioning Temple, thus only the Samaritans have had an active high priest after the year 70 C.E.
• In ancient Rome, the high priest was known as "Pontifex Maximus" (Great Bridge-Builder). The office was usually filled by a leading politician, rather than by a full-time priest. Pontifex Maximus continues to be one of the titles of the Popes.
• In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a high priest is an older male who has been faithful in the church and may have served in the bishopric and other important callings.
• In Shinto, a high priest, called a Guji, is usually the highest ranking priest (Kannushi) in a shrine.
• In Wicca a High Priest and High Priestess are able to lead a coven and initiate others.
• In Tarot, The High Priestess is one of the Major Arcana cards.

In other religions, cultures, or faiths the meaning of this term may vary.