Patriarch (Latter Day Saints) - Patriarch in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Patriarch in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In the early days of the Church, a single patriarch, known as the Presiding Patriarch or Patriarch to the Church, exercised his office throughout the whole Church. This office passed down through the male descendants of Hyrum Smith, who were among the Church's General Authorities. In 1979 Presiding Patriarch Eldred G. Smith was given emeritus status, meaning he retired from performing his duties. No successor was called to replace Smith as Presiding Patriarch.

With the organization of each stake, a Patriarch is ordained and called to serve the members of that stake. A Patriarch is chosen by the stake presidency and each selection is approved by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The selected man must be married, hold the Melchizedek priesthood, and normally be at least 55 years old. He must be ordained to the office of patriarch by an Apostle or the president of the stake where he lives (if the stake president has written permission from the Quorum of the Twelve to do so). A Patriarch retains his priesthood office for life. Though he can be released from his responsibilities because of age, illness, or other circumstances, he will still be able to function as a Patriarch if again called to do so. If a Patriarch who has previously been released is called to serve as a stake Patriarch again, he does not have be re-ordained, only set apart again, since holders of priesthood offices retain that office for life.

A Patriarch's primary responsibility is to give Patriarchal Blessings to members in his stake. He also has the authority to give such blessings to all of his descendants, regardless of what stake they are in. Unlike other priesthood blessings, patriarchal blessings are recorded and archived at Church headquarters. Under ordinary circumstances, a member will receive only one such blessing in his or her lifetime.