Holy Synod

noun

: the governing body of a national Eastern church

Examples of Holy Synod in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church decided Wednesday to appoint Metropolitan Tikhon to head the Diocese of Crimea, located in an occupied region of Ukraine. Timothy H.j. Nerozzi Fox News, Fox News, 12 Oct. 2023 The Holy Synod’s decision followed a Dec. 18 lay vote from among all Orthodox Christians on the east Mediterranean island nation in which Athanasios topped the poll, followed by Georgios and Tamasos Bishop Isaias. Arkansas Online, 25 Dec. 2022 The 73-year-old cleric received nine votes from the 16-member Holy Synod, the church’s highest decision-making body, against four for runner-up Limassol Bishop Athanasios. Arkansas Online, 25 Dec. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1768, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Holy Synod was in 1768

Dictionary Entries Near Holy Synod

Cite this Entry

“Holy Synod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Holy%20Synod. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Holy Synod

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!