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Clerical address

In the Orthodox Church, it is customary to use various forms of clerical address to refer to clergy of various ranks.

Informal address

Bishops

Informal address for bishops varies from one language to another, but Master is the most common term. This form of address is common to all bishops of whatever rank and is also used liturgically.

  • Greek: Despota
  • Slavonic: Vladyka
  • Arabic: Sayidna (literally "our master," also Latinized as Sayedna)
  • French: Monseigneur

Priests

Father, either by itself or followed by the priest's name.

  • Arabic: Abouna


Deacons

In some traditions, deacons are commonly addressed as "Father." Others consider it inappropriate to call a deacon Father unless he is also a monk. This is, however, widely ignored and Father is very common. Deacon, either followed by his Christian name or by itself is correct.

  • Arabic: Shamas


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