The Holy Synod

In the Orthodox Church, the Holy Synod is the supreme governing body and guardian of the faith. It is the assembly of bishops who, gathered in the Holy Spirit, collegially direct the life of the Church in accordance with Apostolic Tradition. The word “Synod” comes from the Greek σύνοδος (sýnodos) and literally means “together’s journey.” It reflects the fundamental principle of Orthodoxy: no one, not even the patriarch or primate archbishop, governs alone. All important decisions—doctrinal, disciplinary, administrative, and elective—are made together, thus expressing the episcopal collegiality we have received from the Apostles and the seven Ecumenical Councils.