The '''bishop''' is the first and highest degree of the [[clergy]] in the [[Orthodox Church]] (Επίσκοπος or ''episkopos'' in Greek, which means overseer). He is the successor to the Apostles in the service and government of the Church. The [[bishop]] thus serves εις τόπον και τύπον Χριστού (in place and as a type of Christ) in the Church. A '''ruling bishop''', is responsible for and the head of all the parishes located in his diocese. All authority of the lower orders of clergy is derived from the bishop. No divine services may be served in any Orthodox temple without the authorization of a bishop. Saint Ignatius the God-bearer of Antioch went so far as to state that "he who acts without the bishop's knowledge is in the devil's service".