Understanding Metochy in the Eastern Orthodox Church

Metochy (Greek: μετόχι, plural: μετόχια) is a term used in the Eastern Orthodox Church to refer to a parish or church building that is under the jurisdiction of a higher-ranking bishop or monastery.

In other words, a metochy is a church or parish that is "attached" to a larger religious institution, such as a cathedral or a monastery. The higher-ranking bishop or monastery has authority over the metochy and is responsible for its spiritual and administrative needs.

The concept of metochy is similar to the concept of a "mission" in other Christian denominations. Just as a mission is a church or parish that is established by a larger religious institution to serve a specific geographic area or community, a metochy is a church or parish that is established by a higher-ranking bishop or monastery to serve a specific purpose or community.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, metochies are often used to provide spiritual and administrative support to communities that are too small or remote to have their own parishes. They may also be used to provide support to specific groups of people, such as college students or military personnel.

Overall, the concept of metochy is an important part of the organizational structure of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and it helps to ensure that all members of the church have access to the spiritual and administrative support they need.