synodically

Synodically is an adverb and adjective deriving from synod, a formal assembly of church officials convened to consider matters of doctrine, discipline, or governance. The term describes actions, processes, or authorities that pertain to or are conducted by a synod. In many Christian traditions, synodically approved decisions are those made by the synod as a governing or referential body, rather than by individuals. For example, a church synod may vote synodically to adopt a doctrinal statement, amend church law, or appoint delegates. The word is common in Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Reformed church contexts, where synods or synodical bodies play a central role in governance and oversight.

Etymology traces synod to Greek sunodos “together on the road” or “assembly”; the English form emerged in the medieval church to describe deliberative gatherings. Synodical authority thus emphasizes collegial, rather than episcopal or presbyteral, decision-making, though in practice governance often blends different kinds of authority.

In astronomy, synodic is the standard term for cycles related to the Sun (for example, the synodic month). Synodically is rarely used outside ecclesiastical or related fields, but may occur in specialized texts describing synod-related processes. Synodical usage should be distinguished from synoptic or synodic in meaning.