BISHOP BOY History and Meanings student Oleh Karpov 01 About its origin Terms Definitions History 02 Features of Boy Bishop Terms Differences of tradition Boy Bishop 03 Symbolism of Boy Bishop Theological and educational view 04 References and Illustrations 01 Terms Bishop – is an ordained or appointed member in a religious institution, who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Derives from the Greek word ἐπίσκοπος epískopos, meaning "overseer“ 01 Definitions Boy Bishop – it’s a choirboy who was chosen from choristers and would be bishop and lead processions around communities, collecting money for the church and parish funds, and leading some religious services. It’s elected on 6 December, the feast of Saint Nicholas and his authority lasted through Holy Innocents day (28 December). Due to being elected on the feast of Saint Nicholas, he could call “Nicholas boy” too. A medieval boy bishop, attended by his canons Being a boy Bishop could A boy among the choir boys (that was frequently chosen ) A boy who attending the school attached to the cathedral or monastery (in some regions) 01 History Selecting Nicholas or Boy Bishops was once a popular tradition throughout Western Europe—especially in England, Germany, France and Spain. The first documented instance of the boy bishop is found in the Casus Sancti Galli in the year 911, though it is very likely that it was an already established custom. Written testimony becomes more abundant during the 13th to 15th centuries. Notwithstanding the intervention of various Church authorities, the popularity of the custom made it resilient. In England, it was abolished by Henry VIII in 1542 “it a distraction from real worship” Henry VIII The first documented instance of the boy bishop “Casus sancti Galli” the author Ekkehard IV 01 History Revived by Queen Mary Tudor in 1552. But stopped again under her sister Elizabeth I. This tradition continued among Germanans, in the so-called “Gregoriusfest” (is a school and children's festival) —until 1799 in Meiningen. The revival of tradition in England did not happen simultaneously. Churches in England did this at different times. In the early 1950s, this was revived in a number of churches, including: Saints' Church, Northampton, Claines, Worcestershire, and St Christopher's Parish Church, Bournemouth In 1959 St George's Parish Church, Stockport. In 1973 it was revived for a special children's service in Hereford Cathedral, but without the traditional ceremonies. Then, in 1982, has become a popular annual event. 01 History During the 20th century we see an increasing revival of the custom within cathedrals, monasteries and schools, among Catholics, Anglicans, Episcopalians and even Lutherans. Similar ceremonies are now found at Salisbury Cathedral and a number of parish churches around England. In the United States, one of the first revivals of the custom took place in 1979 at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany, New York, and continued for many years as part of an annual medieval faire held in the great gothic church 02 Terms Eucharist (greek. ευχαριστία, «thanksgiving»; latin. Eucharistia) – ritual commemoration of Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. 02 Features of Boy Bishop The boy bishop was invested with all of the symbols of the episcopal office (some cathedrals owned elaborate sets of vestments for the boy bishop and his attendants) and he was seated in the bishop's throne. The boy bishop was given a supply of tokens to distribute to the poor. These could be redeemed for food and drink in local shops The inscription around the cross on this coin reads: AVE REX GENTIS, "Hail, King of the [English] people." Boy bishop's tokens. Depicts a bishop's mitre on the obverse (left) and a cross on the reverse. 02 Features of Boy Bishop At Salisbury Cathedral, a chorister assumes the role of Boy Bishop during Evensong on the Sunday nearest to St Nicholas's Day in a special ceremony which involves the Bishop of Sherborne giving the boy, who is dressed in replica Bishop's regalia, his staff and ring and installing him on the throne. Video from 1935 of a Boy Bishop being enthroned at Compton, near Guildford 02 Features of Boy Bishop In 1986, at Hereford Cathedral there was even a special commemorative stamp to mark the occasion. Differences depending on the venue: The reign of the boy bishop lasted 3 weeks, but the more popular practice was 24 hours Commemorative stamp and envelope signed by the Boy Bishop of Hereford, England, in 1986. The boy bishop was frequently chosen from among the choir boys, but he was also allowed to if he’s attending the school attached to the cathedral or monastery Could be two boy bishops, for instance in Durham and they officiated in late spring, not winter. 03 Symbolism of Bishop boy It's interpretation and symbolism are varied, but the best-accepted theory today is as a representation of the triumph of the child's innocence over the adult's tainted view of the world, with the boy bishop commonly delivering a sermon giving his audience a different perspective of things. "Except you will be converted, and made like unto little children, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Jesus 03 Symbolism of Bishop boy “A reaffirmation of Christ's own teaching about the special relationship of children to the kingdom of heaven, and of the Church's especial respect for innocence and purity – a celebration of norms” Ronal Hutton 04 References and Illustrations 04 References and Illustrations 6 December – The Boy Bishop Tradition Режим доступу: https://www.tudorsociety.com/6-december-boybishop-tradition/ The tradition of child bishops teaches the meaning of the Magnificat Режим доступу: https://faithandleadership.com/tradition-childbishops-teaches-meaning-magnificat Customs and Traditions: The Boy Bishop Режим доступу: https://www.liturgicalartsjournal.com/2021/01/cust oms-and-traditions-boy-bishop.html Boy Bishops or Nicholas Youth Bishops Режим доступу: https://www.stnicholascenter.org/around-theworld/boy-youth-bishops Boy Bishops Режим доступу: http://fullhomelydivinity.org/boybishopfullpageview. htm
