Synaxis
Synaxis is a compound Greek word which literally means "same-center." It is a term originally used in the early Christian Church to describe liturgical gatherings in which the whole local Church came together to celebrate the Eucharist (Holy Communion).* Synaxis also became a term for gatherings of representatives of the Church who came together to address the needs of the Church in a Christ-centered manner.
The purpose of our parish Synaxis is to lead and coordinate ministry at the parish level by offering a regular forum for cross-functional communication, collaboration, support, education and accountability between the Priests, Parish Council members, Ministry Team leaders and members of the various Ministry Teams. The Synaxis meetings are also open to all stewards of the Annunciaion who are in good standing. Anyone interested in forming a new Ministry Team should first attend at least one parish Synaxis meeting.
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* This is described as follows by Metropolitan Zizioulas in his book Eucharist, Bishop, Church:
"...the ‘whole church' would come together in the same place, mainly on the Lord's day, to ‘break bread' in one single synaxis ‘under the leadership of the bishop'. At the center of the synaxis of the whole church and behind the one altar stood the throne of the one bishop who was regarded as the icon of Christ in which was expressed the unity of the ‘Katholiki Ecclesia'. In a circle around the throne were seated the Presbyters while the Deacons stood by the Bishop...In front of all these and opposite them stood the people of God...so that through their indispensable presence and participation in the Eucharist the full and perfect unity of the Church of Christ might become a historical reality."