Primate

First Appearance and Context

During a daily aut in the chancel of the Mynster, the Primate’s presence is marked by a dedicated screen and chair. On this occasion, a hierarch in purple robes emerged from the Primate’s screen to officiate, indicating that the Primate had delegated the rite to an aide while preparations for Apert were underway. The northwest corner of the Mynster connects directly to the Primate’s compound, a space used only by him, his guests, the wardens, and other hierarchs.

Description and Role

The Primate is a high-ranking hierarch who oversees major rites conducted within the chancel. His office is distinguished by a private portal (the Primate’s screen) and a designated seat among the hierarchs. When not personally present, an appointed hierarch may perform the opening words of the liturgy and engage the mechanisms of the aut on his behalf.

Relationships and Functions

Within the seating of hierarchs at the chancel, the Warden Fendant sits to the left of the Primate’s chair and the Warden Regulant sits to the right, reflecting complementary responsibilities between outward and inward watches. These roles are described on Warden Fendant and Warden Regulant. The Primate’s compound also serves as a controlled access point for invited guests and fellow hierarchs associated with the Mynster’s ceremonies and governance.

Current Status

Active within the concent’s hierarchy. During the most recently observed aut, the Primate did not appear in person; an aide officiated in his stead while the community prepared for Apert.