Prelate vs. Archpriest — What's the Difference?

A prelate () is a high-ranking member of the clergy who is an ordinary or who ranks in precedence with ordinaries. The word derives from the Latin praelatus, the past participle of praeferre, which means 'carry before', 'be set above or over' or 'prefer'; hence, a prelate is one set over others.

The ecclesiastical title of archpriest or archpresbyter belongs to certain priests with supervisory duties over a number of parishes. The term is most often used in Eastern Orthodoxy and the Eastern Catholic Churches and may be somewhat analogous to a monsignor in the Latin Church, but in the Eastern churches an archpriest wears an additional vestment and, typically, a pectoral cross, and becomes an archpriest via a liturgical ceremony.

A high-ranking member of the clergy, especially a bishop.

Used formerly as a title for a priest holding first rank among the members of a cathedral chapter, acting as chief assistant to a bishop.

A clergyman of high rank and authority, having jurisdiction over an area or a group of people; normally a bishop.

An honorific title applied to a priest, which may be accompanied by a specific function.

(obsolete) To act as a prelate.

Eastern Orthodox Church The highest rank a married priest can hold.

A clergyman of a superior order, as an archbishop or a bishop, having authority over the lower clergy; a dignitary of the church.

(Eastern Orthodox Church) The highest rank given to a married priest.

To act as a prelate.

(Roman Catholic Church) An honorific title applied to a priest who has a specific function.

A senior clergyman and dignitary

A chief priest; also, a kind of vicar, or a rural dean.

A senior clergyman and dignitary