Acolyte (noun)

1. A person who assists a priest or minister in a liturgical service.
2. A person who is an admirer or follower of someone, especially of a religious leader.

Origin:

Late middle english: via old french from late latin acolythus, from greek akolouthos, from a- 'together with' + kalein 'to accompany'. the original sense was "companion, attendant".

Examples:

1. The altar boys were all dressed as acolytes for the Mass.
2. The guru had many acolytes who would do anything for him.
3. The acolyte lit the candles at the altar.
4. She was an acolyte of the famous novelist and had studied all of her works.
5. The young man was an acolyte of the famous pianist and hoped to emulate his success.