zsinatok

Zsinatok, the plural form of zsinat, are formal ecclesiastical councils convened by church authorities to discuss and decide issues of faith, doctrine, discipline, and governance. The term is used across Christian traditions, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and Reformed churches, to describe assemblies at various levels of church structure.

Etymology and usage: Zsinat derives from the Latin synodus, via German Synode, and was absorbed into Hungarian ecclesiastical vocabulary in the medieval and early modern periods. In general, zsinat denotes a deliberative body that issues canonical decisions, declarations, or creeds binding on its members or jurisdiction.

Types and scope: Synods can be ecumenical (universal, addressing matters for the whole church), regional or national, or diocesan, depending on the authority and scope of the church tradition. They may focus on theology, moral teaching, liturgical practices, church law, or administrative reforms. Some traditions distinguish between bishops’ synods, synods of metropolitans, and general councils with broader participation.

Procedure and authority: Typically, a zsinat is convoked by a leading church authority—such as a pope, patriarch, or metropolitan bishop—and organized with a formal agenda, moderated debates, and voting. The decisions are usually recorded as canons or decrees and hold binding authority within the church jurisdiction that ordered the assembly.

Notable examples: Early ecumenical councils, such as Nicaea (325), Constantinople (381), Ephesus (431), and Chalcedon (451), are among the most renowned. Later Catholic instances include the Council of Trent (1545–1563) and Vatican II (1962–1965). Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and Reformed churches also hold significant synods with varying structures and outcomes.

See also: Synod, Council, Canons.