Holy Synod by definition is:
“the highest legislative body in the church, empowered to make ecclesiastical laws and issue statutes governing all ranks of the clergy. It is the highest judging authority to pass judgment in all cases of infringement of church doctrine. It also considers appeals against its judgments. It is the highest authority responsible for safeguarding faith and doctrine, interpreting this faith in the light of established ecclesiastical tradition. It is the primary source of church ritual. Its decisions are final, but may be reviewed in the light of changing circumstances.”
Holy Synod includes the assembly of all bishops including the patriarch. The highest power in all Orthodox Churches lies in the Synod rather than in a single person such as the patriarch. Historically, the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church since being autocephalous [Independent] from the Coptic Church in 1993 has 10 bishops including 4 patriarchs. The main reason why we are trying to explain this is due to the many questions raised from the Atlanta based Tehadiso [Renewal] movement about the power and legitimacy of Eritrean Orthodox Holy Synod...
