SYRO-MALABAR
CHURCH

Permanent Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church

The Permanent Synod of the Syro-Malabar Church is a stable body of bishops that assists the Major Archbishop in the governance of the Church between the sessions of the Synod of Bishops. Rooted in the synodal tradition of the Eastern Churches and regulated by the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO cc. 115–120), the Permanent Synod expresses the ecclesiology of communion and shared responsibility in hierarchical governance. It is composed of the Major Archbishop, who presides over it, and four bishops: three elected by the Synod of Bishops for a five-year term and one appointed by the Major Archbishop, according to the norms of the CCEO and the Particular Law of the Church. The Permanent Synod is to be convoked at stated times and whenever the Major Archbishop judges it necessary. Its consent or counsel is required in matters determined by common law or particular law, especially in important administrative decisions, acts of extraordinary administration, and other affairs of major significance to the Church. While it does not replace the Synod of Bishops, which remains the supreme authority of the Church, the Permanent Synod ensures continuity in governance and provides collegial assistance to the Major Archbishop in the ordinary administration of the Church. According to the Particular Law of the Syro-Malabar Church, the norms regarding election, functioning, quorum, and procedural matters are clearly defined so as to safeguard transparency, collegiality, and effective participation. The Permanent Synod thus stands as an important instrument of synodal governance, fostering unity, responsibility, and orderly administration within the Syro-Malabar Church, in fidelity to the ancient canonical tradition and the provisions of the CCEO.