How is the Orthodox Church structured in terms of governance?

The governance structure of the Orthodox Church is characterized by a group of bishops who collectively make decisions regarding the church's direction and administration. This approach, often referred to as conciliarity, emphasizes the importance of synods or councils where bishops come together to discuss and resolve issues facing the church.

This system allows for shared leadership and fosters a sense of unity among the different dioceses within the Orthodox faith. Each bishop has authority over their local area, but they come together at higher levels to ensure that decisions reflect the collective wisdom of the church rather than being dictated by a single individual. The emphasis on a group of bishops participating in decision-making aligns with the Orthodox value of maintaining tradition and the community's role in ecclesiastical matters.

In contrast, other governance structures mentioned in the options don't accurately represent the Orthodox Church's approach. An authoritarian leader would concentrate power in one individual, undermining the collaborative nature important in Orthodox governance. Democratic congregation voting would shift governance to local congregants, which does not reflect the hierarchical and sacramental structure of the Orthodox tradition. Lastly, a system where clergy are appointed by the government contradicts the church's independence and its spiritual leadership model, which is based on the appointment of bishops through ecclesiastical rather than secular