Canon 82

1. By his own right the patriarch can: (1) within the scope

of his competence, issue decrees which determine more precisely

the methods to be observed in applying the law or urge the observance of a law; (2) direct instructions to the Christian

faithful of the entire Church over which he presides for the

purpose of explaining sound doctrine, fostering piety, correcting

abuses, and approving and recommending practices which foster the

spiritual welfare of the Christian faithful; (3) issue encyclical letters to the entire Church over which he presides concerning questions with respect to his own Church and rite. 2. The

patriarch can order bishops and other clerics as well as members

of institutes of consecrated life of the entire Church over which

he presides to read and to explain publicly in their churches or

houses his decrees, instructions, and encyclical letters. 3.

In all matters which concern the entire Church over which he presides or more serious affairs, the patriarch will not fail to

hear the permanent synod, the synod of bishops of the patriarchal

Church, or even the patriarchal assembly.