What is a Hieromonk?

Hieromonk (Greek: ιερομόναχος, ierosmonachos) is a title used in the Eastern Orthodox Church to refer to a monk who has been ordained to the sacred priesthood. The word "hieromonk" is derived from the Greek words "hieros," meaning "sacred," and "monachos," meaning "monk."

In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, monks are not typically ordained as priests, but rather they live in a monastery and devote themselves to prayer, study, and manual labor. However, in some cases, a monk may be ordained as a priest if he has demonstrated a particular calling or gift for the sacramental ministry. When this happens, he is called a hieromonk.

As a priest, a hieromonk is able to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and administer the sacraments, just like any other priest. However, he still maintains his monastic life and identity, and he is expected to continue to live a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The title of hieromonk is not used in the Roman Catholic Church, where all priests are called "Father." In the Eastern Orthodox Church, however, the title of hieromonk is used to distinguish between priests who are also monks and those who are not.