Bible Encyclopedias
Protopapa

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

is the archpriest in the Greek Church who stands on the left hand of the patriarch (q.v.). His dignity is entirely ecclesiastical: he administers the holy sacrament to the patriarch at all high and solemn masses, and receives it from him. He is the head ecclesiastical dignitary, not only with respect to his peculiar privileges, but to his right and title to precedence.