Hieromonk refers to a monk who has been ordained as a priest in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Some synonyms for the term hieromonk are priest-monk, monk-priest, or simply a priest. Other similar terms used in the Orthodox Church are hegumen, archimandrite, or elder. These titles are typically given to monks who are in leadership positions and have served for a number of years in the clergy. In the Orthodox tradition, monasticism is highly respected, and monks are seen as spiritual leaders, exemplars of the ascetic life, and intermediaries between God and humanity. Whether referred to as a hieromonk or a priest-monk, these individuals are highly revered within the Eastern Orthodox Church.