Igumen

An Igumen is a monk who leads a monastery, acting as its spiritual father and administrative head. In the Eastern Orthodox and certain Eastern Catholic traditions, the Igumen guides the monks, oversees prayers, manages the monastery's operations, and represents the community within the broader church. The role combines spiritual leadership with practical responsibilities, fostering a peaceful, disciplined environment for monastic life. The term is equivalent to an abbot in Western Christian monasteries, emphasizing both spiritual authority and organizational stewardship.