What does a patriarch do?

[East_and_West]

In your view what is a Patriarch’s authority/job?

 

[bpbasilphx]

I don’t think our views have much to do with it.

I’m sure any primate’s job (whether called patriarch, major archbishop, metropolitan, or anything else) is spelled out in particular law and the practices of the jurisdiction.

 

[jimmy]

A patriarchs authority can not be seperated from the synod. Here is what the patriarch of the Melchites says.

It is incorrect to include the Patriarchal Synod under the title of Episcopal Conferences. It is a completely distinct organism. The Patriarchal Synod is the supreme instance of the Eastern Church. It can legislate, elect bishops and Patriarchs, cut off those who differ. In No. 75, a “particular honor” given to Patriarchs is mentioned. I would like to mention that this diminishes the traditional role of the Patriarch, as well as speaking about the honor and privileges of the Patriarchs in ecclesiastical documents. It is not a question of honor, of privileges, of concessions. The patriarchal institution is a specific entity unique in Eastern ecclesiology. With all respect due to the Petrine ministry, the Patriarchal ministry is equal to it, “servatis servandis”, in Eastern ecclesiology. Until this is taken into consideration by the Roman ecclesiology, no progress will be made in ecumenical dialogue. Furthermore, the Patriarchal ministry is not a Roman creation, it is not the fruit of privileges, conceded or granted by Rome. Such a concept can but ruin any possible understanding with Orthodoxy. We claim this also for our Patriarchal Melkite Church and for all our Eastern Catholic Churches.—His Beatitude Gregory III Laham