Catholicos (plural Catholicoi) is a title used by the head bishop of any of certain Eastern churches. It is derived from the Greek Καθολικος, meaning universal or general.

The title seems to have arisen sometime after the establishment of the five ancient patriarchs (of Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem). The title first seems to have been applied to the churches east of the Roman Empire, under Persian control, where it is believed to be in the succession of Apostle Thomas. According to Bar Hebraeus Apostle Thomas is the first in the succession in the East. This Catholicos of the East was known as Maphryānā (translated as Maphrian or Fructifier) in Syriac when non-Chalcedonians depended on Antioch after division in the Church of the East due to Nestorian schism. The position of 'Maphriyan' was later abolished in a local council. Likewise, the heads of major churches outside of the Roman Empire bore the title Catholicos.

The title is used in the Armenian Apostolic Church, which

Catholicos of the East is title borne by the head of the Indian Orthodox Church. The leader of the Indian portion of the Syriac Orthodox Church use the title 'Catholicos of India'. The latter, acknowledges the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch as his superior. The head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church is often styled Catholicos, but is now legally a Major Archbishop.

See also

• Catholicos of Armenia; List of Catholicoi of Armenia
• List of Catholicoses of the East
• Catholicos of the East. Katholikos

Katolikos