Synod, Holy Governing

Synod, Holy Governing, is the highest court of the Greek Church, established in Greece after the recovery of its independence. It met first at Syra in 1833, and in 1844 was recognized by the constitution, which also enacted that the king should be a member of the established Church. The members of synod were at first appointed by the king, but: are now chosen by the clergy, the bishop of Attica being perpetual president. In 1850 it was formally recognized by the patriarch of Constantinople, through the mediation of Russia, but on the condition that it should always receive the holy oil from the mother Church. SEE GREEK CHURCH.