Metropolitan is the title of a high-ranking clergyman in the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches. He is the head of a church province, a diocese, or all the Christians in an important city. Like archbishops, metropolitans rank above bishops. They consult with bishops about matters other than regular affairs in the bishop’s diocese. A metropolitan also calls and presides over church councils called synods. In some Eastern Orthodox Churches, the head of an independent national church is called a metropolitan. See Archbishop ; Patriarch .
