Canon 116

1. The patriarch is to convoke the permanent synod and to preside over it. 2. If the patriarch is impeded or does not attend the permanent synod, the senior member of the synod according to episcopal ordination presides, after the number of members

has been restored to five according to the norm of can. 115, 3.

3. If the permanent synod must decide a matter which affects

the person of a certain bishop who is a member of the same synod

or affects his eparchy or office, he is to be heard, but in the

synod another bishop substitutes for him according to the norm of

can. 115, 3.