​​The Holy Episcopal Synod is the highest ecclesiastical authority of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, entrusted with preserving the faith, upholding apostolic continuity, and maintaining discipline within the Church. It is presided over by the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, whose leadership ensures that the Synod remains the guardian of Orthodox doctrine and spiritual order. When the Catholicos is unable to preside, the Senior Metropolitan assumes this responsibility, ensuring the uninterrupted governance of the Church’s spiritual life.

The Synod functions in accordance with the provisions of the 1934 Constitution of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, addressing matters of theology, liturgy, pastoral care, and canonical order. It also undertakes the appointment of special committees to oversee areas such as theological education, missionary activities, and the development of Sunday Schools, working in harmony with the Malankara Syrian Christian Association in temporal and administrative matters.

Comprising thirty-one Metropolitans, including the Catholicos, the Holy Synod embodies the unity and apostolic succession of the Church, with each Metropolitan shepherding the faithful of their respective dioceses. Through prayer, dialogue, and collective decision-making, the Synod ensures that the Church remains steadfast in the true faith, faithful to her traditions, and responsive to the needs of her people across the world.

Administration

The administration of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is firmly rooted in the 1934 Church Constitution, which safeguards the Church’s autonomy, balances episcopal leadership with the voice of the faithful, and defines the governance structure in clear terms.

The supreme spiritual and doctrinal authority is vested in the Holy Episcopal Synod, presided over by the Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan. Working alongside the Synod is the Malankara Syrian Christian Association, often described as the “parliament” of the Church, whose membership includes clergy and laity from every parish. The Association holds significant powers, including the election of the Managing Committee, the Catholicos, and other senior leaders of the Church.

The Managing Committee, under the Association’s authority, oversees the Church’s day-to-day administrative and financial affairs, supported by the Working Committee, which assists in preparing agendas and addresses urgent matters. At the parish level, the Parish General Body, consisting of all adult members in good standing, elects the Parish Managing Committee. This committee, made up of the secretary, lay trustee, and other elected members, manages the affairs of the parish in accordance with the Church’s Constitution and under the guidance of the Diocesan Metropolitan.