Catholicos of the East
The Catholicos of the East is the title given to the head of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, particularly the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Syriac Orthodox Church. This leader is responsible for spiritual guidance and administrative oversight within these communities, which are primarily found in the Middle East and India. The title emphasizes the role of the Catholicos as a unifying figure among various Eastern Christian traditions.
The Catholicos is often seen as a successor to the apostles and plays a crucial role in maintaining the traditions and teachings of the church. This position is distinct from that of the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church and reflects the unique theological and cultural heritage of the Oriental Orthodox faith.