SYNOD (Lat. synoelas, from Gk. ativodos, assembly, meeting, coming together, from (rim, syn, together + 686s, hodos, way, road). A term applied almost exclusively to ecclesiastical as semblies convoked for the discussion and decision of ecclesiastical affairs. Synods o• church coun cils are of five kinds: Ecumenical, general, national, provincial, and diocesan or local. By the law of the Roman Catholic Church the decrees of a national or provincial synod must be submitted to the Pope, and unless confirmed by him, or at least suffered to pass for two years without condemnation, are not held to be valid. The term synod has been preserved to describe courts in the Presbyterian system of church gov ernment which rank above the presbytery and the synod either is subordinate to a General Assembly or is itself the supreme court of the Church. The courts above the classes in the Dutch and Ger man Reformed churches are called synods. in
the organization of the Lutheran churches the synod is the highest representative body. Two of the Eastern churches have preserved the synod. The Holy Governing Synod of Al] the Russia's is the highest ecclesiastical authority for the estab lished Church of the Russian Empire. It con sists of several metropolitans and other prelates and officials—the Chief Procurator of the synod representing the Czar. It was instituted by Peter the Great in 1721, to take over the juris diction formerly exercised by the Patriarch of i\loscow•. The orthodox national Church of the Kingdom of Greece is also governed by a synod of archbishops and bishops independent of time jurisdiction of any patriarch. For other con ciliar organizations, see COUNCIL.