New Bishops

[Rhamiel]

How are new bishops chosen in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

How are Patriarchs chosen?

What authority does a Patriarch have?

 

[buzuxi02]

Usually they are elected by the Synod. There are a few other considerations that go into it, such as:

In the russian tradition its customary for the candidate to be a monk. In Constantinople the candidate must be a Turkish citizen (Turkish law). In order for the Jerusalem patriarch to be able to freely move around, coordinate events, and act as patriarch his election must be recognized and accepted by the Palestinian Authority and both the governments of Israel and Jordan. Basically non-christian, politically sensitive nations enforce there own rules and laws on religious leaders which can hinder a "favorite" candidate from a patriarchal appointment.

"Patriarch" is just an honorary title. They are the head of the synod of their autocephalous church, and may have expanded jurisdiction beyond recognized national boundaries, etc. The EP can call a pan-Orthodox council, hear appeals, etc. These priveleges are based more on ancient canons than any prerogatives granted to those with the title of 'patriarch'.

 

[ArmyMatt]

How are new bishops chosen in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

candidates are chosen and presented to each jurisdiction's Holy Synod. they are monastic (celebate priests become monks before they are consecrated if they are chosen), they are male, etc.

How are Patriarchs chosen?

same as above to my knowledge

What authority does a Patriarch have?

pretty much what Buzuxi said. bishops, aside from honor of their See, are seen as equals. so as an example, at my wedding (which actually took place at Buzuxi's Chruch), the primate of the OCA, Met Tikhon came to offer prayers and blessings, etc. Met Tikhon still, although the primate of the OCA, had to write and get the blessing of that parish's bishop to be there.

 

[Rhamiel]

who makes up the Synod?
all the Bishops of that Church? just some of the Bishops? Bishops + monks?

 

[ArmyMatt]

the bishops of that particular jurisdiction

 

[Rhamiel]

the bishops of that particular jurisdiction

what do you mean jurisdiction?

like the Russian Orthodox Church, if there is going to be a new Bishop, is every member of the Russian Orthodox Church a member of the Synod that votes for a new one?

or is Jurisdiction more of like a regional thing, like the Russian Orthodox Bishops in South Eastern part of Russia vote for a new Bishop in a South Eastern Diocese?

 

[ArmyMatt]

the Holy Synod of the Russian Church will vote, so it's the bishops of that jurisdiction.