It is not easy for an outsider to understand the church life, its way of life and positions. Therefore, a meeting with some highly specialized term causes confusion and a desire to find out in detail its interpretation. One of the common and accessible for the average person will be the title of "citor." This is a person on a special account, who is responsible for the welfare of the parish, its further fate and even the possibility of worship!
Greek roots
Initially, the term was translated literally: founder or owner. It was formed from the verb "build", "create" and meant a person who made considerable efforts and means to erect absolutely any structure. However, in the Russian language, Christianity developed thanks to the efforts of the Greeks, because of which everyday words acquired a sacred meaning and were closely connected directly with the church. This gave three interpretations at once, relevant to this day:
private person who at his own expense built a monastery or temple;
any small donor or full-fledged trustee of the indicated institutions;
position of churchwarden.
This is not just about the foundation, walls and roof! Holy books, special vessels for performing rituals, vestments of ministers participate in the service. Even icons and ceiling paintings are an important part of the service. In a broad sense, the meaning of the word “ctitor” means anyone who has helped fill the boundaries of the temple with the necessary.
Historical nuances
In Russia, such builder-patron was given the right to manage the income of the temple. They were inherited, and the family of good Christians could for many centuries contribute to the prosperity of the parish. In the 17th century, in terms of similarity of duties, the term was extended to elders elected by the parishioners, who also collected donations and administrative activities.
A similar name is given to military officials, who are engaged in housekeeping and maintaining order in subordinate churches. Moreover, in parallel there are the elected headman and the appointed clerk. Although in the case of a soldier, he reports directly to his superiors, cannot be removed otherwise than by direct order. The position may fall to a person who does not believe in a religion or another religion, because it does not affect the spiritual aspects.
Modern opportunities
The desire to share happiness with others is natural for a person. Helping others, their spiritual father, and the church is normal. It allows the organization to function and conduct preaching activities. And since a creditor is any donor, you can always realize a good desire and achieve recognition by the community of your achievements. The main thing is to do everything with a pure heart!