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==History==
Historically, the a [[local church]] was a [[bishop]] of a city, with the parishes within an area in or near that city. This was the bishop’s see. The bishops were required to meet in a [[synod]], or council of nearby bishops, chaired by the bishop of the most prestigious city. The area, of all the bishops at these synods, became to be known as the see of the bishop of the prestigious city, sometimes called a [[metropolia]]. Larger synods were held among bishops of many metropolias, chaired by the bishop of the most prestigious city among them. The area, of all the bishops at these ''supper synods'', patriarchates, became to be known as the see of the bishop of the prestigious city.
===The Five Great Sees ===
The organization of the Church, the five great sees or patriarchates, was recognized by the [[Ecumenical Councils]].