Primacy and Synodality According to the Common Tradition of the Church in the First Millennium

Abstract

After a brief account of the origin of the various types of synods and councils in the early Church, the author examines the apostolic canon thirty-four, which is considered the basic principle of synodality, especially in the East. The author then illustrates the affirmation of the synodal principle and the development of primatial authorities at various levels: Metropolitan, Patriarch, and Bishop of Rome, mainly based on the canons of the first seven ecumenical councils of the undivided Church. The last part is devoted to the relationship between primacy and synodality, showing that a good functioning of both is necessary for unity and harmony in the Churches.