Ktetor


Ktetor or ktitor, meaning 'founder', is a title given in the Middle Ages in the Byzantine sphere to the provider of funds for construction or reconstruction of an Eastern Orthodox church or monastery, for the addition of icons, frescos, and other works of art. The Catholic equivalent of the term is donator. At the time of founding, the ktetor often issued typika, and was illustrated on frescoes. The female form is ktetorissa or ktitoritsa.
The donator or renovator of churches are known as "second ktetor" or "new ktetor".

History

The Serbian Nemanjić dynasty were ktetors to many monasteries and churches, including the "Medieval Monuments in Kosovo" inscribed as World Heritage.

Notable people