A title first assumed by John the Faster, bishop of Constantinople (died 595) and vehemently opposed by the popes because it signified "imperial" or "universal" father. The Byzantine prelates persisted in using the title, which is now claimed by the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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