Periodoute

PERIODOUTE (Περιόδουτεύτης, from περὶ and ἄθος; in Latin Circuitor, Circumriens). - This was the name given to the traveling physician and later to the priest who, in the name of the bishop, visited the most distant regions. The function of the p. derives from the priesthood, whereas the chorepiscopate comes from the episcopate. Nevertheless, after the Council of Sardica (can. 6) the p. largely replaced the chorepiscopus.

At present the p. exists in various Eastern rites with a function that closely resembles that of the vicars forane among the Latins. Not all, however, always bear the same title. The Copts call him "hegumen"; the Ruthenians "protopresbyter"; the Armenians "chorepiscopus"; the Romanians "protopope", etc. The dignity is sometimes conferred with a proper ritual blessing (as among the Copts and the Maronites) but sometimes also by simple appointment.

The attributions of the p. are not the same in all rites, because in addition to the visitation of parishes for disciplinary, moral, liturgical and administrative life, which constitutes his principal office, he is ordinarily also a parish priest himself or exercises some other function. The p. are examiners of the clergy (Chaldeans), constitute the first instance in judgments (Romanians), consecrate baptisteries, dedicate churches and altars (Maronites), have notices read to the people in churches. The honors of the p. vary according to the rite.