What Does Autocephaly Mean?

Autocephaly is the status of a hierarchical Christian church whose head bishop does not report to any higher-ranking bishop. The term is primarily used in Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches. The status has been compared with that of the churches within the Anglican Communion.

What does the word autocephalous mean?

: independent of external and especially patriarchal authority —used especially of Eastern national churches.

What is autocephalous Orthodox?

Autocephalous church, in the modern usage of Eastern Orthodox canon law, church that enjoys total canonical and administrative independence and elects its own primates and bishops. ... The autocephalous churches maintain canonical relations with each other and enjoy communion in faith and sacraments.