Autonomy (Eastern Orthodoxy)

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Organization
Autocephalous jurisdictions
Autocephalous Churches who are officially part of the communion:

Autocephaly recognized by some autocephalous Churches de jure:

Autocephaly and canonicity recognized by Constantinople and 3 other autocephalous Churches:

Spiritual independence recognized by Georgian Orthodox Church:


Autonomous jurisdictions

Semi-Autonomous:

Episcopal assemblies
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  • Other possible ecumenical councils:
  • Other important councils:
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In Eastern Orthodoxy, autonomy designates a type of limited self-government of a church (group) toward its mother church. An autonomous church is self-governing in some aspects, which differentiates it from a non-autonomous church. The aspects on which the autonomous church is self-governing depends on the decision of the mother church. A church that is autonomous has its highest-ranking bishop, such as an archbishop or metropolitan, approved (or ordained) by the primate of the mother church.[1][2][3]

Kephale (κεφαλή) means "head" in Greek,[4] whereas nomos (νόμος) means "law".[5] Hence, autocephalous (αὐτοκέφαλος) denotes self-headed,[6] or a "head unto itself"; and autonomous denotes "self-legislated".

  1. ^ "A Dictionary of Orthodox Terminology - Part 1 (A–H) – Introduction to Orthodoxy Articles". Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Archived from the original on 2 January 2019. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  2. ^ "Autocephalous / Autonomous - Questions & Answers". Orthodox Church in America. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  3. ^ Ware, Timothy (1997). "Introduction". The Orthodox Church. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0-14-192500-4. There are in addition several Churches which, while self-governing in most respects, do not possess full independence. These are termed 'autonomous' but not 'autocephalous'
  4. ^ "κεφαλή – Ancient Greek (LSJ)". Liddell, Scott, Jones Ancient Greek Lexicon. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  5. ^ "νόμος – Ancient Greek (LSJ)". Liddell, Scott, Jones Ancient Greek Lexicon. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  6. ^ Erickson, John H. (1991). The challenge of our past : studies in Orthodox Canon law and Church history. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press. p. 132. ISBN 0-88141-086-1. OCLC 23254257.