Lietuvos istorijos metraštis

The first synods of the diocese of Vilnius mentioned in surviving sources are connected with bishops John of the Lithuanian Dukes (1519–1536), Paulius Alšėniškis (1536– 1555), and Valerijonas Protasevičius-Šuškovskis (1556–1579). A synod is a gathering of diocesan clergy in a central place, where the bishop, prelates, canons, and the whole diocesan clergy discuss current affairs concerning clerical discipline, the need to collect funds for the needs of Church and State, and matters of Church organisation. The miscreance of local clergy and lay folk, especially in matters concerning landed property are judged. On the other hand, a visitation involves the bishop sending out from the centre officials, connected with his archdeacon to assess the material and spiritual condition of parishes. Such means of diocesan administration are important expressions of ecclesiastical and social development. It is worthwhile examining the functioning of synods and their aims in Lithuania during the first half of the sixteenth century, including their ceremonies and organisation within the wider social context.