Archpriest

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Archpriest (Greek Πρωθιερέας) in the Eastern Orthodox Church, is a title of honour accorded to clergymen of the second rank (i.e. priests).

The title of Archpriest is exclusive to the Churches of Russia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria. In the rest of the Orthodox Churches, the equivalent title is that of Protopresbyter which, in the aforementioned four churches is a separate title.

Archpriest is an office that a married man may attain. An archpriest is distinguished from an ordinary priest as he wears the epigonation. He is distinguished from a Protopresbyter by a red sash, worn on the chest, diagonally from right to left.