PERIODEUTE (περιοδευτής, from περί and ἄθος; in Latin circuitor, circumriens). - This was the name given to the itinerant physician and later to the priest who, in the bishop’s name, visited the more distant regions. The function of the p. derives from the priesthood, whereas the chorepiscopate derives 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 closely resembling that of rural vicars among the Latins. Not all, however, always bear the same title. The Copts call him “hegumen”; the Ruthenians “proto-
presbyter”; the Armenians “chorepiscopus”; the Romanians “protopope,” etc. The dignity is sometimes conferred by a proper ritual blessing (as among the Copts and Maronites), but at other times also by simple appointment.
The duties of the p. are not the same in all rites, because, besides visiting parishes in matters of disciplinary, moral, liturgical, and administrative life—which constitutes his principal office—he is ordinarily also a parish priest or exercises some other function. The p. are examiners of the clergy (Chaldeans), constitute the court of first instance in judgments (Romanians), consecrate baptisteries, dedicate churches and altars (Maronites), and have notices to the people read in churches. The honors of the p. vary according to the rite.