Patriarchs (Bible) Patriarchs (Bible) The patriarchs ( "Avot" or "Abot", singular "Ab" or Aramaic: אבא "Abba") of the Bible, when narrowly defined, are Abraham, his son Isaac, and Isaac's son Jacob, also named Israel, the ancestor of the Israelites. These three figures are referred to collectively as the patriarchs, and the period in which they lived is known as the patriarchal age. They play significant roles in Hebrew scripture during and following their lifetimes. They are used as a significant marker by God in revelations and promises, and continue to play important roles in the Abrahamic faiths. More widely, the term patriarchs
Bishop in the Eastern Orthodox Church The Patriarch of the Church of Constantinople holds the title of "Ecumenical Patriarch". The Patriarchs of the Church of Alexandria and the Church of Rome have the title "Pope", meaning "father" (although the second of these is no longer in communion with the Orthodox Church). The Patriarch of the Church of Georgia has the title "Catholicos". Patriarchs are addressed as "Your Holiness", with the exception of the Ecumenical Patriarch, who is addressed "Your All-Holiness". Archbishops are addressed "Your Beatitude". Metropolitan bishops are addressed "Your Eminence" or "Your Reverence", with the exception of the Metropolitan Bishop of Thessaloniki, addressed "Your Holiness".