The Holy Episcopal Synod
The highest governing body consisting of all bishops of the church.
The Episcopal Synod with the Catholicos as its president is the apex body of all bishops. The authority of the synod is final and binding. It has exclusive rights and privileges in the matter of upholding the faith of the church, its discipline and order of Apostolic Succession. As regards temporal matters the church is guided by the Malankara Syrian Christian Association.
The bishops lead the diocese assigned to them by the synod. Presently there are 31 bishops including H. H, The Catholicos.
Constitution Sections 102-109
Section 102 to 109 of The constitution of Malankara Orthodox church deals about the Episcopal Synod. It is as follows:
There shall be an Episcopal Synod in Malankara.
All Prelates in Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church who have been duly approved as per the constitution shall be members of this Synod.
The Catholicos shall be the President of the Synod.
The Catholicos shall convene the Synod and preside over the Synod.
When there is no Catholicos or if there is any accusation against the Catholicos and the Catholicos does not convene the Synod for considering such accusation, the Senior Metropolitan shall convene the Synod and preside over the Synod.
The Episcopal Synod shall have the authority to decide matters concerning faith, order and discipline. When the Synod shall meet for this purpose the Synod may select such persons as the Synod may deem needed for consultation.
No one shall have the right to alter the faith of the Church. But in case there may arise any dispute as to what is faith, the Episcopal synod above said may decide the matter and the final decision about this shall vest with the Ecumenical Synod.
The Episcopal Synod may in consultation with the Association Managing committee appoint sub-committees for the purpose of Theological Education, Mission Work, Sunday school and similar matters.