Metropolitan is the title of a high-ranking clergyman in the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches. He is the head of church province, diocese, or all the Christians in an important city. Like archbishops, metropolitans rank above bishops. They consult with bishops about matters other than regular affairs in the bishop's diocese. A metropolitan also calls and presides over church councils called synods. In some Eastern Orthodox Churches, the head of an independent national church is called a metropolitan. See Archbishop; Patriarch.