synaxis

Synaxis is a term derived from the Greek word το σύναξις, meaning “assembly” or “gathering.” In Christian contexts it refers to a religious assembly or council where believers convene for worship, decision‑making, or commemoration. The concept has ancient roots, appearing in early church councils such as the Synod of Jerusalem and the First Council of Nicaea, where bishops and other church leaders met to address doctrinal issues and ecclesiastical law.

In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, synaxis takes on liturgical significance. The Synaxis of the Saints, for example, is a service held on the feast day of a particular saint, where the faithful assemble to venerate that saint’s relics and participate in the Divine Liturgy. Likewise, the Synaxis of the Theotokos is a special morning service honoring the Virgin Mary, typically performed on March 25th or the Monday after the Epiphany. These synaxes are distinct from the litanies of the Daily Office but serve as a communal celebration of the holy figure’s role in salvation history.

Western Christianity also uses the term, primarily in the context of councils and synodal assemblies. The Synod of Whitby, held in 664 AD, is one of the most famous Western synaxes, resolving discrepancies in the calculation of Easter among the Anglo-Saxon peoples. In modern usage, the word general synaxis nonetheless refers to a meeting of the faith’s representatives for deliberation and guidance.