The Apostolic Synod of Antioch is the supreme canonical authority in the Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Apostolic Church. It includes, as voting members, all the diocesan bishops of the Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Apostolic Church, and her eparchial bishops. The Ecumenical Metropolitan is the ex officio Chairman of the Apostolic Synod. In case of his absence, a chairman is elected by the diocesan bishops present.

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The Metropolitan Council of Antioch is the permanent executive body of the Antiochian Church administration which exists for the purpose of implementing the decisions of the Apostolic Synod of Antioch, and continuing its work between sessions.

It consists of the Ecumenical Metropolitan as Chairman, the Secretary, the Treasurer, one lay representative from each diocese and eparchy, and two presbyters from each diocese and eparchy at the election of the Apostolic Synod. Vacancies occurring among diocesan representatives are filled by the respective dioceses. Two alternates are elected by the Apostolic Synod, one presbyter and one layperson, to fill vacancies occurring among members elected by the Apostolic Synod. All elected members, whether representing the several dioceses or those elected by the Apostolic Synod of Antioch, succeed themselves in office for six terms only.