The Holy Synod

The Holy Synod of Bishops is the supreme canonical authority of the Orthodox Church in America. The full Holy Synod consists of all diocesan bishops of the Church, including His Eminence Archbishop Mark, Archbishop of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania.

The Holy Synod exercises responsibility for matters concerning the doctrine, canonical order, moral teaching, and liturgical practice of the Church. Its responsibilities also include matters concerning the election and ordination of bishops, the establishment and oversight of dioceses, standards for ordination, relations with other Orthodox Churches and religious bodies, theological education, monastic life, missionary and educational work, and other areas affecting the life and good order of the Church. Through the common ministry of its bishops, the Holy Synod provides archpastoral oversight and preserves the unity, canonical order, and faithfulness of the Orthodox Church in America to Holy Tradition.

The Metropolitan of All America and Canada serves as the ex officio President of the Holy Synod. His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington and Metropolitan of All America and Canada, currently serves as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America. The Metropolitan convenes and presides over the regular and special sessions of the Holy Synod, with regular sessions held twice each year, in the spring and autumn.

Between sessions of the full Holy Synod, a Standing Synod may act on matters delegated to it by the Holy Synod. The Standing Synod consists of the Metropolitan, the Secretary of the Holy Synod, and additional diocesan bishops, and assists in addressing matters that require attention between regular sessions.

Through its episcopal ministry, the Holy Synod works for the spiritual welfare of the Church and provides guidance for its dioceses, clergy, monastics, institutions, and faithful as the Orthodox Church in America continues its mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

To learn more, please visit oca.org/holy-synod