Patriarchal Synod
Patriarchal Synod is the synod of bishops of an Eastern Catholic patriarchal Church, exercising legislative and electoral authority with its patriarch according to Eastern canon law.[1]
The synod of bishops
The precise canonical body is the Synod of Bishops of the patriarchal Church. All and only ordained bishops of that Church are called, wherever they serve, apart from exclusions established by law; particular law may limit the deliberative vote of titular bishops and eparchial bishops outside the patriarchal territory in specified matters. The patriarch convokes and presides over the synod, but he does not replace its deliberation with personal rule.[2]
This synod is distinct from the worldwide Synod of Bishops convoked by the pope, from the patriarchal assembly that includes representative priests, religious, and lay faithful in a consultative gathering, and from the permanent synod of the patriarch and four bishops that assists in governance between full synodal sessions.
Legislation and elections
The synod alone legislates for the entire patriarchal Church in matters within its competence. The patriarch promulgates its laws and publishes its decisions; acts concerning laws and decisions are sent to the Roman Pontiff as soon as possible. The force and territorial reach of synodal law follow the Eastern code, including the special rules for eparchies outside the patriarchal territory.
The synod elects the patriarch according to law and elects bishops for offices within the patriarchal territory from candidates who have received the Roman Pontiff's assent under the canonical process. Bishops outside that territory are appointed by the Roman Pontiff from the list prepared according to the code. Thus patriarchal self-government is substantial, ordered, and exercised in full communion with the successor of Peter.
Synodality under law
Members have a grave duty to attend when legitimately summoned and cannot vote by proxy. Quorum, voting, agenda, and procedures are governed by common and particular law. The patriarch opens, transfers, suspends, or dissolves the synod only in the manner the code provides, and bishops may add questions with the required support. The institution embodies the ancient Eastern conviction that a patriarch governs with his bishops, neither as an isolated monarch nor as a merely honorary chairman.
References
- Back to citation Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, part I — Official Latin text governing the structure and clergy of the Eastern Catholic Churches.
- Back to citation Orientalium Ecclesiarum, 7–11 — Vatican II's restoration and affirmation of patriarchs governing with their synods.