ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hegumen

Okay kiddo, let me explain what a hegumen is in a way you can understand!

You know how some people are in charge of a group or a team? Like a coach is in charge of a sports team and a teacher is in charge of a classroom. Well, a hegumen is kind of like that, but for a group of monks in a monastery.

A hegumen is a leader, kind of like a boss, but they're not in charge of a business or a company. They're in charge of making sure that the monks in the monastery follow the rules and do what they're supposed to do. They're also in charge of the day-to-day operations of the monastery.

The word "hegumen" comes from a Greek word that means "leader" or "guide". And that's exactly what a hegumen does. They guide and lead the monks in the monastery to grow spiritually and live a life dedicated to God.

So, that's what a hegumen is! A leader in charge of a group of monks in a monastery, helping them to live a life devoted to God.