starets

noun

sta·​rets ˈstär-əts 

-yəts

plural startsy ˈstärt-sē 

: a spiritual director or religious teacher in the Eastern Orthodox Church

specifically : a spiritual adviser who is not necessarily a priest, who is recognized for his piety, and who is turned to by monks or laymen for spiritual guidance

Word History

Etymology

Russian, from staryĭ old — more at stour

First Known Use

1729, in the meaning defined above