Patriarch of Jerusalem - Definition and Overview

The term Patriarch of Jerusalem can refer to the holders of one of three offices:

• The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who is one of the Roman Catholic "patriarchs of the east"
• The Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, who is one of nine highest-ranking Eastern Orthodox bishops, called patriarchs
• The Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, who in addition to representing the interests of his own church, is in communion with the other churches of the Oriental Orthodox communion.

All three trace their successions back to James the Just, brother of Jesus, who was head of the first Christian Church in Jerusalem.