autokephaalisia
Autokephaalisia refers to the status of an Eastern Orthodox Church or Oriental Orthodox Church that is self-governing and independent of any higher ecclesiastical authority. The term "autocephalous" is derived from Greek, meaning "self-headed." This means that the highest authority within such a church is its own synod of bishops, and its primate (often a patriarch, metropolitan, or archbishop) is elected or appointed by this synod.
An autocephalous church is not subject to the jurisdiction of another church, though it remains in communion
The concept of autocephaly is rooted in the early history of Christianity and developed as the church