What is a Bishop?
Bishop comes from the Greek word episkopos (επ?σκοπος, from επι “over” and σκοπος “seeing”). It can be generally translated bishop, overseer, superintendent, supervisor, the first, leader or foreman. From the word episkopos are derived the English words episcopacy, episcopate and episcopal. The Bishops of the Church are given to us by Christ to act as our shepherds. Bishops are in charge of a “Diocese” which is (usually) a geographical area made of local communities (parishes) of the faithful. The Bishop is the superior of all the priests (except those belonging to religious orders) in his dioceses, as well as the local spiritual leader of all the faithful of his diocese.
