Autonomy (Eastern Orthodoxy)

In Eastern Orthodox ecclesiology, autonomy refers to the self-governance of a particular local church (typically a patriarchal or metropolitanate) within the wider communion of the Orthodox Church. An autonomous church has the right to elect its own primate (bishop) and bishops, manage its own internal affairs, and legislate on matters specific to its own territory without direct intervention from another higher-ranking church. However, an autonomous church remains in canonical dependence upon a Mother Church, from which it originally received its autocephaly or autonomy. This dependence typically manifests in the Mother Church confirming the election of the autonomous church's primate, the primate commemorating the name of the Mother Church's primate in liturgical prayers, and the autonomous church appealing to the Mother Church in cases of serious internal disputes or when seeking clarification on matters of faith and practice.

The granting of autonomy is a significant event in the life of a local church, indicating its maturity and ability to function independently within the Orthodox communion. It is a step below autocephaly, which grants full independence and self-governance without any necessary dependence on a Mother Church, except for remaining in communion with all other canonical Orthodox churches. While an autocephalous church can resolve all matters within its jurisdiction without external approval, an autonomous church still requires the sanction of its Mother Church for certain actions, such as the confirmation of its primate.

The procedures and criteria for granting autonomy vary somewhat among the different autocephalous Orthodox churches, and the process is often complex and requires consensus among the recognized autocephalous churches. Historically, autonomy has been granted based on factors such as the size and stability of the local church, its historical development, its geographical distinctiveness, and its ability to address the spiritual needs of its flock effectively.

The relationship between an autonomous church and its Mother Church is defined by a tomos (decree) of autocephaly or autonomy, which outlines the specific rights and responsibilities of each. This tomos serves as the canonical basis for their ongoing relationship.

It is important to note that the concept and practice of autonomy can sometimes be a source of contention within the Orthodox Church, particularly when the boundaries of autonomous regions are disputed or when the degree of dependence on the Mother Church is unclear. Different interpretations of canonical rules and historical precedents can lead to disagreements over the legitimacy of certain autonomous churches or the extent of their self-governance.