Mesitys

Mesitys (μεσίτης, i.e. mediator) was the name given to a presbyter while engaged in discharging the function s of the Eucharist. This was considered by the ancient Church as the highest point of a presbyter's dignity and office. The appellation was very properly censured by Augustine as derogating from the dignity and office of the true and only Mediator of the Christian covenant (Contr. Parmen. lib. ii, c. 8; comp. De Civ. Dei, lib. ix, c. 15). This word also denoted the middle rank occupied by the presbyter betweenthe bishop and deacon. See Riddle, Christian Antiquities (see Index).