Parrhesia in the context of the Synod on synodality Cover Image

Parrésia v kontexte Synody o synodalite
Parrhesia in the context of the Synod on synodality

Author(s): Michal Hospodar
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Biblical studies, Systematic Theology
Published by: Wydawnictwo Diecezjalne »Adalbertinum«
Keywords: Parrhesia; Synod; Courage; Trust; Paul; Holy Spirit;

Summary/Abstract: The Catholic Church is experiencing a Synod on Synodality from October 17, 2021, by decision of the Holy Father Francis. The aim of the Synod is to revive this forgotten form of life for all members of the Church and to make it the natural style of their life. The synodal walk in faith (syn - together; hodos - journey) increasingly counts on the laity and the use of their potential in bearing responsibility for the Church. The current Synod is both an invitation and a chance to learn to listen to one another, to talk about living the faith and to discern correctly what the Holy Spirit wants to remind his Church today. In the documents of the Magisterium for the synodal process there is the word parrhesia (Gr. παρρησία), the content of which is no longer obvious. “All are invited to speak with courage and parrhesia, that is, integrating freedom, truth, and charity” (Preparatory Document, 30). In this paper we will discuss the meaning of this term primarily from a biblical perspective. We note that it is a special charism of the Holy Spirit. Using specific passages from the New Testament and the Eastern liturgy as examples, the paper reveals the richness of content and the practical use of parrhesia in the synodal walk.

  • Issue Year: 24/2022
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 163-170
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: Slovak