(The Position of Bishop at the Turn of Antiquity and the Middle Ages)
Abstract: The paper focuses on the bishop´s position in his Christian community and his position within the Roman Empire, especially after Constantine’s turn. The function of the bishop, his position and his powers gradually changed in the Late Antiquity, which was also reflected in the imperial legislation. To some extent, the bishops represented state authorities, especially the judicial ones, and took care of the poor and the needy. As the economic power of the Christian communities increased, the bishops became important members of the local honorability. Nevertheless, their main role remained the pastoral care and administration of the Christian community.
Author: JIRKAL Emanuel
DOI: 10.17846/SHN.2020.24.1.3-17
Publication order reference: Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa v Nitre, Filozofická fakulta, Katedra histórie, Hodžova 1, 949 01 Nitra, Slovak Republic, mail: ejirkal@ukf.sk
Source: Studia Historica Nitriensia, year: 2020, vol.: 24, number: 1, pages: 3-17
Key words: Antiquity; Roman Empire; Christianity; Bishop;
Language: SLOVAK