Chorepiscopoi w prawie soborów i synodów oraz w Dekrecie Gracjana

Krzysztof Burczak

doi:10.21697/pk.2026.69.3.02

Published: 2026-09-28

Vol. 69 No. 3 (2026)

Chorepiscopoi in the Law of Councils and Synods and in the Decretum Gratiani

Krzysztof Burczak

Prawo Kanoniczne

Section: Articles and dissertations

https://doi.org/10.21697/pk.2026.69.3.02

Abstract

The problem addressed: The Church established by Jesus Christ is a hierarchical community. The hierarchical priesthood within it developed around the office of bishop, who, in leading the community, needed collaborators to care for the development of the Church. Bishops ordained their assistants to preach the Gospel and administer the sacraments in remote areas of the dioceses. The institution of the chorepiscopoi is an interesting subject of study within the history of canon law. A new research direction regarding this institution was particularly undertaken in Decretum Gratiani, as no works have been found that publish research findings specifically related to the chorepiscopoi within this most extensive collection of canon law.

The aim of the research conducted: The research focused on tracing the evolution of the chorepiscopoi institution as reflected in the legislation of councils and synods, as well as in Decretum Gratiani.

Methods: The research employed historical-legal and philological methods.

The results of the research: The research revealed that the institution developed from the second century in the East and from the fifth century in the West. Its decline is dated to the twelfth century, with archdeacons taking over the functions previously held by chorepiscopoi.

The conclusions drawn from the research: The Church establishes institutions that serve to fulfill its mission. The dynamic nature of the Christian community leads to the decline of some institutions and the creation of new ones, ensuring effective and faithful to Christian Revelation execution of the essential purpose of the Church: salus animarum.

Keywords:

Gratian, council, synod, chorepiscopoi

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Burczak, K. (2026). Chorepiscopoi in the Law of Councils and Synods and in the Decretum Gratiani. Prawo Kanoniczne, 69(3), 29–49. https://doi.org/10.21697/pk.2026.69.3.02

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