given a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
venerable (adjective)1.
deserving to be - venerated used as a title for an Anglican archdeacon or for a Roman Catholic who has been accorded the lowest of three degrees of recognition for sanctity
2.
made especially by religious or historical association - sacred
3.
a) calling forth respect through age, character, and - attainments a venerable jazz musician , broadly conveying an impression of aged goodness and benevolence - encouraged by the venerable doctor's head-nodding
b) impressive by reason of age - under venerable pines old