The Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO) envisages a distinctive system of governance for the Eastern Catholic Churches, particularly those that possess the status of Patriarchal or Major Archiepiscopal Churches. Within this system, the Permanent Synod occupies an important place in the governance of the Church. Unlike the Synod of Bishops, which meets periodically to deliberate on major ecclesial matters, the Permanent Synod is a standing body that assists the Patriarch or the Major Archbishop in the day-to-day administration of the Church. It is a collegial body of bishops that works together with the head of the Church in matters of governance. The Permanent Synod offers advice and opinions that assist the Patriarch or Major Archbishop in exercising his responsibilities. The CCEO clearly states that in many ecclesiastical matters the Patriarch or Major Archbishop must obtain either the consent (consensus) or the counsel (consilium) of the Permanent Synod before acting. Whenever the law prescribes such consent or counsel, these authorities are bound to observe those requirements. While the Synod of Bishops functions as the principal legislative body meeting at fixed intervals, the Permanent Synod functions throughout the year and ensures continuity in ecclesiastical governance. In this way it upholds the synodal tradition of the Eastern Churches, according to which authority is exercised not merely in a hierarchical manner but through the collective deliberation and cooperation of bishops.

According to CCEO c. 115, the constitution of the Permanent Synod is determined in a specific manner. The Permanent Synod is composed of the Patriarch or the Major Archbishop and four bishops designated for a term of five years. The law prescribes clear norms regarding the designation of these bishops. Three members are elected by the Synod of Bishops, while the fourth member is appointed directly by the Patriarch or the Major Archbishop. Among the bishops elected by the Synod of Bishops, at least two must be eparchial bishops. In order to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted functioning of the Permanent Synod, the Synod of Bishops also designates four bishops as substitutes in advance. These substitutes replace members who are unable to participate in a session according to the order determined by the Synod of Bishops. Through this arrangement the continuity and effectiveness of the Permanent Synod are safeguarded.

The responsibility of convoking the Permanent Synod belongs to the Patriarch or the Major Archbishop (CCEO c. 116 §1), and he presides over its sessions. If the head of the Church is unable to participate, the number of members is first restored to five by calling a substitute, and then the bishop who is senior by episcopal ordination presides over the session. When matters concerning the personal affairs of a member bishop, or those relating to his eparchy or office, are discussed, the concerned bishop may be heard, but he does not participate in the decision-making process, and another bishop substitutes for him according to the norm of the law (CCEO c. 116 §3).

The CCEO also provides precise norms regarding the procedures and voting methods of the Permanent Synod, ensuring transparency and collective responsibility. According to CCEO c. 117, the acts of the synod must be signed by the president and by all the members who participated in the synod. This requirement clearly indicates that the decisions represent the collective judgment of the body of bishops. CCEO c. 118 prescribes that voting must be secret in matters concerning persons; however, in other matters as well, voting must be secret if even one member expressly requests it. These norms protect the freedom of opinion of the members and safeguard the credibility of the voting process.

In various administrative matters prescribed by ecclesiastical law, the Patriarch or the Major Archbishop must seek either the consent or the counsel of the Permanent Synod before making decisions. This requirement reflects the collegial style of governance in the Church. Even when such matters arise during the session of the Synod of Bishops, CCEO c. 119 states that the decision on the matter is normally reserved to the Permanent Synod. However, if the head of the Church judges it appropriate, he may entrust such matters to the Synod of Bishops with the consent of the Permanent Synod.

According to CCEO c. 120, the Permanent Synod must be convoked at fixed times at least twice a year. In addition, the head of the Church may convoke it whenever he considers it necessary, or whenever matters arise that require the consent or counsel of the synod according to the law. If for a serious reason the Permanent Synod cannot be constituted, the Synod of Bishops must inform the Apostolic See. In such exceptional circumstances, the Synod of Bishops designates two bishops—one of whom must be an eparchial bishop—who together with the Patriarch act in lieu of the Permanent Synod for as long as the reason lasts (CCEO c. 121).

In summary, the Permanent Synod is an indispensable element in the governance of Patriarchal and Major Archiepiscopal Churches. By assisting the Patriarch or Major Archbishop in the daily administration of the Church, it gives concrete expression to the ancient Eastern tradition of synodality, that is, governance exercised through collective deliberation. Its carefully regulated structure, along with its clearly defined functions involving consent and counsel, ensures transparency, participation, and shared responsibility in ecclesiastical administration. Through this system, authority is not concentrated solely in one individual but is exercised through the communion and collaboration of bishops for the good of the Church. Thus, the Permanent Synod stands as an important instrument for safeguarding ecclesial discipline, promoting unity among the bishops, and supporting the spiritual mission of the Church.

Rev. Dr. Joseph Mattathil