In its early form, the holder was entrusted with the security of property belonging to the Orthodox Church from the aristocrats (compare Catholic Vidame), so the holder appeared in the role of a judge or executor of the ruler's decisions, in disputes between the church and the nobility.
At the beginning of the 15th century, during the Serbian Despotate, the title of veliki čelnik (велики челник, "grand čelnik") was the equivalent of count palatine and was the highest court title, with the title-holders holding great provinces, property and honours.
During the reign of King Stefan Milutin (r. 1282–1321), the title holder was entrusted with the security of property belonging to the Church from the aristocrats, so the holder appeared in the role of a judge or executor of the ruler's decisions, in disputes between the church and the nobility.
[6] At the beginning of the 15th century, during the Serbian Despotate, the title of veliki čelnik was the equivalent of count palatine and was the highest court title, with the title-holders holding great provinces, property and honours.
Овој категорији челника биће поверена заштита црквених земљопоседа од самовоље властеле, па се они појављују у улози судија или извршитеља владаревих одлука, када су у питању спорови између цркава и властеле.