ecclesiastical parish

An ecclesiastical parish is a religious community within a Christian denomination, often centered around a specific church and its surrounding area. It functions as the basic unit of church administration, providing spiritual guidance, worship services, and community support to its members. Historically, parishes served both religious and administrative purposes, such as record-keeping and local governance. Today, they continue to foster a sense of belonging and spiritual growth for members, while often working in cooperation with other parishes and church authorities within a larger church structure.