A territorial administrative division in the Church, consisting of several dioceses under an archbishop, the metropolitan, who derives this dignity from his own episcopal see, to which by designation or approbation of the Roman Pontiff it is attached. Provincial organization was early favored by doctrinal and disciplinary troubles necessitating frequent regional synods of the bishops, usually presided over by the bishop of the capital city of the civilprovince (eparchy) or of the see regarded as the mother-church of the rest; it was formally recognized by the Council of Nicaea (325).
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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