archdiocese
UK: /ˌɑːtʃˈdaɪ.ə.sɪs/ | US: /ˌɑːrtʃˈdaɪ.ə.sɪs/
n. the district or diocese under the jurisdiction of an archbishop
The word "archdiocese" combines "arch-" (meaning "chief" or "principal," derived from Greek "arkhi-") and "diocese" (from Greek "dioikesis," meaning "administration" or "district"). Historically, an archdiocese was the primary administrative division in the early Christian church, overseen by an archbishop. The term reflects the hierarchical structure of ecclesiastical governance, where "arch-" elevates the status of the diocese to a higher authority.
The archdiocese of New York is one of the largest in the United States.
The archbishop convened a meeting of all priests within the archdiocese.
Funds were allocated to renovate churches across the archdiocese.
The archdiocese announced new guidelines for parish activities.
She has worked for the archdiocese for over twenty years.