In the Greek Orthodox Church , the terms `` kathedrikos naos '' ( literally : `` cathedral shrine '' ) and `` metropolis '' ( literally `` mother city '' ) are both used to describe the same thing . In the Greek Orthodox Church , the terms `` kathedrikos naos '' ( literally : `` cathedral shrine '' ) is sometimes used for the church at which an archbishop or `` metropolitan '' presides . The term `` metropolis '' ( literally `` mother city '' ) is used more commonly than `` diocese '' to signify an area of governance within the church .