Difference between revisions of "Holy Synod"
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| − | The '''Holy Synod''' is the ecclesiastical governing body for a church. It is presided over by | + | The '''Holy Synod''' is the ecclesiastical governing body for a church. It is presided over by a [[primate]] of a specific ecclesiastical area and consists, as members, of all the [[bishop]]s to whom the primate is accountable. ''Holy Synod'' is used as a formal name for the body itself, as distinct from ''[[synod]]'', which more often refers to the actual meetings of these bodies. |
| − | All [[autocephaly|autocephalous]] and some [[autonomy|autonomous]] churches have their own church-wide holy synods, and there may also be local ones (often called ''[[eparchy|eparchial]]'' synods), as well, especially if a particular church has territory spread out over a large area. Membership in the holy synod is determined by the traditions and [[canon]]ical documents of a particular church. | + | All [[autocephaly|autocephalous]] and some [[autonomy|autonomous]] churches have their own church-wide holy synods, and there may also be local ones (often called ''[[eparchy|eparchial]]'' synods), as well, especially if a particular church has territory spread out over a large area. Membership in the holy synod is determined by the traditions and [[canon]]ical documents of a particular church. In some churches, all bishops who hold the title of [[metropolitan]] are considered members (e.g., the [[Church of Antioch]]), while in others, all active bishops—whether [[diocese|diocesan]] or [[auxiliary bishop|auxiliary]]—are considered to be members (e.g., the [[Orthodox Church in America]]). Local synods typically consist of the primate and all diocesan bishops within the territory. |
''Holy Synod'' in this usage is distinct from an ''[[Ecumenical Council]]'', which may also informally be called a ''holy synod'' and consists of bishops from throughout the [[Orthodox Church]], acting together to deal with Church-wide issues. | ''Holy Synod'' in this usage is distinct from an ''[[Ecumenical Council]]'', which may also informally be called a ''holy synod'' and consists of bishops from throughout the [[Orthodox Church]], acting together to deal with Church-wide issues. | ||
Revision as of 19:19, October 8, 2010
The Holy Synod is the ecclesiastical governing body for a church. It is presided over by a primate of a specific ecclesiastical area and consists, as members, of all the bishops to whom the primate is accountable. Holy Synod is used as a formal name for the body itself, as distinct from synod, which more often refers to the actual meetings of these bodies.
All autocephalous and some autonomous churches have their own church-wide holy synods, and there may also be local ones (often called eparchial synods), as well, especially if a particular church has territory spread out over a large area. Membership in the holy synod is determined by the traditions and canonical documents of a particular church. In some churches, all bishops who hold the title of metropolitan are considered members (e.g., the Church of Antioch), while in others, all active bishops—whether diocesan or auxiliary—are considered to be members (e.g., the Orthodox Church in America). Local synods typically consist of the primate and all diocesan bishops within the territory.
Holy Synod in this usage is distinct from an Ecumenical Council, which may also informally be called a holy synod and consists of bishops from throughout the Orthodox Church, acting together to deal with Church-wide issues.
