Stanislaus of Szczepanw (Polish: Stanisaw Szczepanowski; 26 July 1030 11 April 1079) was Bishop of Krakw known chiefly for having been martyred by the Polish king Bolesaw II the Generous. Stanislaus is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church as Saint Stanislaus the Martyr (as distinct from the 16th-century Jesuit Stanislaus Kostka). He is the first Polish-born saint.

A bishop is an ordained member in a religious institution, who is entrusted with a position of authority and oversight.

In traditional Christianity, bishops claim apostolic succession, a direct historical lineage dating back to the original Twelve Apostles. The bishops are by doctrine understood as those who possess the full priesthood given by Jesus Christ, and therefore may ordain other clergy, including other bishops. A person ordained as a deacon, priest, and then bishop is understood to hold the fullness of the (ministerial) priesthood, given responsibility by Christ to govern, teach, and sanctify the Body of Christ. Priests, deacons and lay ministers co-operate and assist their bishops in pastoral ministry.

Some Pentecostal churches have bishops who oversee congregations, though they do not claim apostolic succession.