Abstract:

The article examines priests as representatives of spiritual authority and bearers of sacred knowledge. It is proved that they play a key role in the formation of ethical norms and values, determine the behavior and worldview of millions of people. The influence of the priests extends far beyond the temples. It penetrates into the daily lives of believers and forms their ideas about good and evil, justice and injustice, holiness and sin.

Keywords: religious and cultural traditions, spiritual authority, priests, ethical norms, values, morality, social dynamics, cultural intermediaries, rituals, rituals.