priest

Performs sacred rites

A priest is a person authorized to perform religious rites, serving as an intermediary between worshippers and the divine.

In Christianity, priests lead services, administer sacraments, and provide spiritual guidance—the term applies specifically to Catholic, Orthodox, and some Anglican clergy, while Protestants typically use minister or pastor.

Other religions have their own priestly traditions: a Hindu priest, a Shinto priest.

Figuratively, someone deeply devoted to an idea or practice may be called its priest: a high priest of modernism.

clergy

bishop

Diocesan clergy head

archbishopSenior prelate over province
cardinalOf foremost importance
popeCatholic Church's supreme leader

monsignor · rector · vicar · pastor · chaplain · deacon · canon · curate · abbot · abbess

ritual

mass

Quantity of matter

liturgyFormal worship structure
sacramentSacred ritual conveying grace
confessionAdmission of wrongdoing

absolution · baptism · communion · vestments · chalice · altar · incense · censer · homily · blessing

spiritual

prayer

Address to deity

devotionDeep, loyal commitment
pietySincere religious devotion
celibacyAbstaining from intimate relations

vows · vocation · ordination · ministry · pastoral care · intercession · benediction · sermon · counsel · guidance

traditions

shaman

Indigenous spiritual healer

druidAncient Celtic priest-scholar
lamaAndean beast of burden
imamMuslim religious guide

rabbi · mullah · kohen · flamen · pontifex · hierophant · medicine man · oracle · vestal

roles

confessor

Priest receiving admissions

celebrantOne who observes festivities
officiantCeremony presider
homilistOne delivering religious discourse

exorcist · missionary · evangelist · catechist · spiritual director · hospital chaplain · prison chaplain · military chaplain · associate pastor

priest

bishop

mass

prayer

shaman

confessor

priest

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family