Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ιερέας | ieréas | masculine | |
| ιερωμένος | ieroménos | masculine | |
| παπάς | papás | /paˈpas/ | masculine |
| εφημέριος | efimérios | masculine | |
| πρεσβύτερος | presvýteros | masculine | |
| πρωτοπρεσβύτερος | protopresvýteros | Roman Catholic, masculine |
Greek uses several terms for a priest depending on the context. ιερέας is the formal, technical term used in official or theological contexts and can describe both a Roman Catholic or Orthodox priest. παπάς is the common word used in everyday conversation, specifically to refer to Greek Orthodox priests. εφημέριος refers specifically to a parish priest in charge of a particular parish. πρεσβύτερος is a term for a priest that often implies an elder or a specific rank within the church hierarchy.
What does it mean word for word?
The term ιερωμένος literally means 'ordained', describing someone who has been made sacred and has received holy orders.
Which one should you use?
While ιερέας is the formal and technical term, παπάς is a colloquial way to refer to a priest. ιερωμένος is used to describe the state of being ordained. For specific roles, εφημέριος identifies the priest in charge of a parish, while πρεσβύτερος is used for an elder or a priest of a certain rank. For Roman Catholic contexts, the term πρωτοπρεσβύτερος can be used.
How do you pronounce it?
ieréas
Did you know?
- The common word παπάς comes from the Ancient Greek word for 'daddy'.
- The word παπάς is a doublet of πάπας, which refers specifically to 'the pope'.
Examples in context
- Ο Τομ θέλει να γίνει ιερέας.Tom wants to become a priest.This sentence shows the use of ιερέας to express a desire to enter the priesthood.Tatoeba #5434083 by Zeus, translation #5243054 by Hybrid
- Ο ιερέας της εκκλησίας ήταν παρών σε όλες τις τελετές του γάμου.The priest of the church was present at all the wedding ceremonies.
- Ο παπάς μας ήταν πάντα πρόθυμος να μας βοηθήσει.Our priest was always willing to help us.
- Ο αρχιμανδρίτης από τη Θεσσαλονίκη είναι πολύ γνωστός.The archimandrite from Thessaloniki is well-known.
- Ο ιερέας ευλογεί τον κόσμο.O iereas evlogi ton kosmo.The priest blesses the people.
- Αυτός ο ιερέας είναι πολύ καλός.Aftos o iereas einai poly kalos.This priest is very good.
Example conversation
Maria and Kostas are talking about a local church ceremony.
- Μαρία MariaΠοιος ήταν ο ιερέας σήμερα;Poios itan o iereas simera;Who was the priest today?
- Κώστας KostasΉταν ο εφημέριος του χωριού.Itan o efimerios tou choriou.It was the village priest.
- Μαρία MariaΕίναι καλός ο ιερέας;Einai kalos o iereas;Is the priest good?
- Κώστας KostasΝαι, είναι πολύ ευγενικός άνθρωπος.Ne, einai poly evgenikos anthropos.Yes, he is a very kind man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “priest” translations and entries ιερέας, παπάς, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ιερέας, παπάς, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
