Stavropegial

A Stauropegion (alternative stavropegion from Greek σταυροπήγιον, i.e. σταυρός (stavros) "cross" and πήγνυμι (pegnumi) "to affirm"), is a monastery, dependency or parish that depends directly on the Primate (Metropolitan) or on the Holy Synod; i.e.  not under the jurisdiction of the local bishop. The name comes from the Byzantine tradition of summoning the Patriarch or Metropolitan to place a cross at the foundation of stauropegic monasteries or parochial churches. Such exempt jurisdictions, both monastic and parochial, are common in Eastern Orthodoxy. 

Stavroprgional dependencies of the Synod:

• International Benedictine Chapters (IBC)

• Synod Ministries