Patriarch

A patriarch is a leading male figure in a family, tribe, or religious organization. Historically, the term refers to male leaders who hold authority or influence over a group, often based on age, wisdom, or religious role. In religious contexts, such as the Orthodox Church, a patriarch is a high-ranking bishop with authority over a specific region or community. The word emphasizes leadership, respect, and responsibility within a social or spiritual hierarchy, and its use varies depending on cultural and organizational traditions.