PERIODETTE (περιοδευτής, from περί and όδός; in Latin circuitor, circumiens). — This was the name given to the itinerant physician and later to the priest who, in the name of the bishop, visited the more distant regions. The function of the p. derives from the priesthood, while the coadjutor spouse comes from the episcopate. However, after the Council of Sardica (can. 6), the p. largely replaced the coadjutor.
At present the p. exists in various Eastern rites with a function very similar to that of the rural deans among the Latins. Not all, however, always have the same title. The Copts call him «egumeno»; the Ruthenians «proto-»
