PRIMATE – The title of the ruling archbishop. He exercises jurisdiction over the bishops of a district or country. Usually, primate refers to the first hierarch of an autocephalous or autonomous Orthodox Church. Less often, it is used to refer to the ruling bishop of an archdiocese or diocese.
The primate of an autocephalous church supervises the internal and external welfare of that church and represents it in its relations with other autocephalous Orthodox churches, religious organizations, and secular authorities. His name is mentioned during liturgical services by the other bishops of the autocephalous church. The primate mentions the names of the other heads of autocephalous Orthodox churches at Divine services.