Protos (monastic office)

The Protos (Greek: Πρωτος, "first") is a presiding officer or superior within certain monastic communities, most notably on Mount Athos. The term designates the head of the Athonite monastic republic, representing all the monasteries and serving as a spiritual and administrative leader.

Specifically on Mount Athos, the Protos is the representative of the Holy Community (Ἱερά Κοινότης), the collective governing body of the twenty sovereign monasteries. Each year, one of the monasteries provides the Protos, chosen according to a pre-determined rotation. The Protos presides over the Holy Community's sessions and is responsible for implementing its decisions. He also represents the Athonite community in its relations with external entities, such as the Greek state and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The office of Protos is a position of considerable authority and responsibility, requiring diplomacy, spiritual maturity, and administrative competence. The Protos plays a vital role in maintaining the unity and well-being of the Athonite monastic community.