Archimandrite is an ecclesiastical title, which designates a specific clerical rank. It is a term derived from the Greek words arch – meaning “head or ruler” and mandra – meaning “flock or fold,” and literally means the “shepherd of a flock.” Originally this title was a distinction reserved only for the head of a monastery or monastic community. Nowadays, however, it is often given and bestowed upon a priest-monk as a type of award for years of active or distinguished service.
