High priest  

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The term "high priest" (or, less frequently, high priestess) usually refers either to an individual who holds the office of ruler-priest, or to one who is the head of a religious caste.

Contents

Ancient Egypt

In ancient Egypt, a high priest was the chief priest of any of the many gods revered by the Egyptians.

Ancient Israel

Ancient World

India

Christianity

The New Testament book of Hebrews uses the term "high priest" sixteen times; in ten of those instances Jesus Christ is explicitly or implicitly identified as the office holder (eg Hebrews 3:1; 4:14; and 9:11). Some Old Testament (OT) texts prophesy of a priest-king (in ancient Israel, priests and royalty were distinct, with priests from the tribe of Levi and kings from the tribes of Benjamin and Judah). Christianity views Jesus as fulfilling these OT prophecies, effectively replacing the former Jewish system of worship.

  • Zechariah 6:13: "Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both."
  • Psalm 110:2,4: "The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. ...The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."

A comparison of other religions with modern Christian denominations might compare a high priest 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 again it is traditional to refer only to Jesus as the one high priest of Christianity. Episcopal bodies, except in the Anglican Communion and the superintended Lutheran churches, may also referred to bishops as high priests, as they are believed to share in, that is: are considered earthly instruments of, the high priesthood of Jesus Christ. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other Latter Day Saint sects, High Priest is also among the priesthood offices in the Melchizedek priesthood.

Other religions

  • The 16th-century Maya priesthood was headed by a high priest who instructed the other priests and advised the king.
  • Kahuna Nui, presides over the temple or heiau. Below the Kahuna Nui are various types and ranks of priests.
  • In Shinto, a high priest, called a Guji, is usually the highest ranking priest (Kannushi) in a shrine.
  • 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 Santeria, a high priest is called a Babalao. The term comes from the supreme priest of Santería, a protege of Orula. The term means wise man.
  • In Wicca a High Priest and High Priestess are able to lead a coven and initiate others.
  • In Laveyan_satanism , the High Priest and High Priestess are the top of the Hierarchy.
  • In the Church of Satan a High Priest and High Priestess stand as administrative chiefs and primary public representatives of the church. The rival First Satanic Church is led by High Priestess Karla LaVey.

Non-religious usages

Although the title is generally used in connection with a religious organization, some non-religious groups use it either mockingly or by tradition to reference high-ranking offices within the group. For example, in Royal Arch Masonry the Excellent High Priest serves as leader of the chapter. As the title is allegorical in nature, a reference to the Kohen Gadol, the position comes with no religious authority. The phrase is also often used to describe someone who is deemed to be an innovator or leader in a field of achievement. For example, an 1893 publication describes ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes as having been "the high-priest of comedy"





Unless indicated otherwise, the text in this article is either based on Wikipedia article "High priest" or another language Wikipedia page thereof used under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License; or on research by Jahsonic and friends. See Art and Popular Culture's copyright notice.

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