Neocori

(νεωκόροι, temple-sweepers) is the title which the officers bore who were attached to the pagan temples in ancient Greece. Their office was originally to sweep the temple, and perform other menial services connected with it. In course of time these duties were intrusted to slaves, and the Neocori came to occupy a higher position, superintending the temples, guarding the treasures, and regulating the sacred rites. In some towns there was a regular college of Neocori, and the office, having considerable honor attached to it, was sought by persons even of high rank. In the time of the emperors nations and cities eagerly sought the title of Neocori, and counted it a special privilege to have the charge of a temple. Thus in the Acts of the Apostles we learn that the city of Ephesus was Neocora to the great goddess Diana. See Gardner, Faiths of the World, page 525; Broughton, Biblioth. Historica Sacra, s.v. SEE DIANA.