Archimandrate is an obscure rank in the church of Astel. In terms of actual church government, it is roughly equivalent to the rank of "Patriarch"; in practice, however, the rank is essentially equal to that of the Archprelate, as the Archimandrate has complete authority over the Astellian branch of the Elene Church and can apparently invoke Crisis of the Faith at any time independently of the Hierocracy in Chyrellos (although it is hinted that he CAN be punished for this if deemed necessary, as Bergsten makes a point of asking Monsel if he will take full responsibility for the deed before going along with it).