holy synod

American  

noun

Eastern Church.

1. the governing council of an autocephalous church, composed of bishops and presided over by the patriarch or another prelate.

---

holy synod British  

noun

1. the governing body of any of the Orthodox Churches

---

Etymology

Origin of holy synod

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

holy synod

To the most religious Emperor Theodosius, the holy synod of bishops assembled in Constantinople out of different provinces.

From A Source Book for Ancient Church History by Ayer, Joseph Cullen

And, after rendering due thanks unto God, as in duty bound, we lay before your Piety the things which have been done in the holy synod.

From A Source Book for Ancient Church History by Ayer, Joseph Cullen

The holy synod of Nicæa, according to the three hundred and eighteen Fathers, under the Emperor Constantine.

From A Source Book for Ancient Church History by Ayer, Joseph Cullen

That election of Amadeus, though formally made by the authority of a general and holy synod, vanished into smoke; and he was appeased with a cardinal's hat, like a barking dog with a morsel.

From Prefaces and Prologues to Famous Books with Introductions, Notes and Illustrations by Eliot, Charles William

All these the holy synod has anathematized, having scarcely patience to endure the hearing of such an impious or, rather, bewildered opinion, and such abominable blasphemies.

From A Source Book for Ancient Church History by Ayer, Joseph Cullen