Hegumen

A Hegumen (Greek: ἡγούμενος, hēgoúmenos; Church Slavonic: игуменъ, igumenŭ) is the title for the abbot of a monastery in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. It is a rank lower than an Archimandrite.

The title is derived from the Greek word ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai), meaning "to lead." Thus, a hegumen is the spiritual leader of a monastic community.

The duties and responsibilities of a hegumen are similar to those of an abbot in the Western Christian tradition. He is responsible for the spiritual well-being of the monks or nuns under his care, and for the proper administration of the monastery's resources. He also represents the monastery to the outside world.

Historically, the title of hegumen was often bestowed upon a priest who oversaw multiple smaller monasteries, particularly in Russia. This practice gradually decreased as monastic institutions became more organized.

When a hegumen is consecrated, he is usually given a pastoral staff (Greek: paterissa, Slavonic: zhezl) as a symbol of his spiritual authority. The hegumen's vestments are similar to those of a priest, but he may also wear a simple monastic koukoulion (hood).

A female equivalent is a "Hegumene" or "Abbess," the head of a convent.