Synod :: ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF SAINT PETERSBURG

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Synod

SYNOD (Apostolic Governing Synod), the highest collective organ of government of the Russian Orthodox Church, legislative and deliberative body, administrative and judicial institution. It was formed in accordance with "Spiritual regulations" signed on 25 January 1721. Synod members were selected by the emperor personally from among the representatives of the high ranking monks and priests (selected by the Chief Procurator of the Synod). The Synod usually included seven or eight permanent members and four to eight temporary members (permanent members were appointed for life). The Metropolitan of St. Petersburg and Ladoga usually held a special position in the Synod: he alone had the right to place inquiries, announced the opinion of the Synod, chaired commissions and committees of church affairs; all the transferals of members of higher orders of clergy were usually submitted for his approval. Clerical work was carried out by the Office of the Synod headed by the Chief Secretary. From 1722, the position of the Chief Procurator was established in order to supervise the activities of the Synod (his powers were expanded in the first half of the 19th century). In 1836, an independent office of the Chief Procurator was created. From 1763 onwards, the Synod was housed at 3 Senatskaya (now Dekabristov) Square, (see Senate and the Synod, Building of the). Institutions of the Synod were abolished in 1917-18.
Reference: Карташев А. В. Очерки по истории Русской Церкви. М., 1991. Т. 2; Высшие и центральные государственные учреждения России, 1801-1917 гг. СПб., 1998. Т. 1. Д. N. Shilov.