Canon

Canon (канонік [kanonik], from the Greek ὁ κανών [rule]; also called крилошанин [kryloshanyn] or capitular). A higher priestly office in an eparchy. Often canons are members of a bishop's council and have important functions and privileges in solemn worship in a cathedral or church. There are active canons (at the bishop's residence) and titular ones without the rights and duties of canons. In the Ukrainian Catholic church the title of canon was introduced under the influence of the Roman Catholic church at the beginning of the 19th century.

The title is unknown in the Ukrainian Orthodox church, but the corresponding title krylos was introduced very early. Holders of the title (eg, the famous krylos of Halych) are known as kryloshany.

In recent history there have been very learned and distinguished canons in the Ukrainian Catholic church who have had considerable influence on the public life of the church and the nation. Candidates for the episcopate have commonly been elected from among their number.

[This article originally appeared in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, vol. 1 (1984).]