Ganzibra

A ganzibra (singular form in Classical Mandaic: ࡂࡀࡍࡆࡉࡁࡓࡀ, plural form in Classical Mandaic: ࡂࡀࡍࡆࡉࡁࡓࡉࡀ ganzibria, literally 'treasurer' in Mandaic; Persian: گنزورا) is a high priest in Mandaeism. Tarmidas, or junior priests, rank below the ganzibras.[1]

Symbolically, ganzibras are considered to be uthras on earth (Tibil). Their responsibilities include performing masbuta, masiqta, wedding ceremonies, and other rituals, all of which can only be performed by priests. They must prepare their own food to maintain ritual purity.[2] Ganzibra priests are also prohibited from consuming stimulants such as wine, tobacco, and coffee.[3]

  1. ^ Drower, E. S. 1960. The Secret Adam: A Study of Nasoraean Gnosis. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
  2. ^ Buckley, Jorunn Jacobsen (2002). The Mandaeans: ancient texts and modern people. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-515385-5. OCLC 65198443.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Drower 1937 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).