Changes

Historically, the a [[local church]] was a [[bishop]] of a city, with the [[parish]]es within an area in or near that city. This was the bishop’s see. The bishops were required to meet in a [[synod]], or council of nearby bishops, chaired by the bishop of the most prestigious city. The area, of all the bishops at these synods, became to be known as the see of the bishop of the prestigious city, sometimes called a [[metropolia]]. Larger synods were held among bishops of many metropolias, chaired by the bishop of the most prestigious city among them. The area, of all the bishops at these ''supper synods'', patriarchates, became to be known as the see of the bishop of the prestigious city.

The [[First Ecumenical Council|First Council of Nicea]] singled out three great centers: [[Church of Rome|Rome]], [[Church of Alexandria|Alexandria]], and [[Church of Antioch|Antioch]] (Canon 6). It also laid down that the see of [[Church of Jerusalem|Jerusalem]], while remaining subject to the Metropolitan of [[Caesarea]], should be given the next place in honor after these three (Canon 7). ([[Church of Constantinople|Constantinople]] naturally was not mentioned, since it was not officially inaugurated as the new capital until five years later; it continued to be subject, as before, to the Metropolitan of [[Heraclea]].).

Canon 28 of the [[Fourth Ecumenical Council|Council of Chalcedon]] confirmed Canon 3 of the [[Second Ecumenical Council|Council of Constantinople]], assigning to Constantinople (New Rome) the place next in honor after Old Rome. The Council of [[Chalcedon ]] also freed Jerusalem from the jurisdiction of Caesarea and gave it the fifth place among the great sees.