To give the canons for what Sharon just said, I quote these from the CCEO (the Code of Canons of the Eastern Chruches):
Protosyncellus and Syncelli:
Canon 245. In each eparchy a protosyncellus is to be appointed who, endowed with ordinary vicarious power according to the norm of common law, assists the eparchial bishop in governing the whole eparchy.
Canon 246. ... one or several syncelli can be appointed who, in a determined section of the eparchy, in certain types of business ... have by the law itself the authority wich common law attributes to the protosyncellus.
Canon 247.1 The protosyncellus and the syncelli are freely appointed by the eparchial bishop and can be freely removed by him ...
Canon 248.1 Unless otherwise expressly determined by common law, the protosyncellus in the entire eparchy and the syncelli within the limits of the office committed to them, exercise the same executive powers of governance as the eparchial bishop, excepting those things which the eparchial bishop has reserved to himself or to others ...
Canon 249. The protosyncellus and the syncelli must report to the eparchial bishop on the principal matters which are to be treated and which have been treated and they are never to act contrary to his will or mind.
Canon 250. The protosyncellus and the syncelli who are presbyters have, during the time they hold office, the privileges and insignia of the first dignity after the episcopal dignity.
Canon 251.1 The protosyncellus and the syncelli cease from office after the completion of the term, resignation accepted by the eparchial bishop, or removal. [Note: Canon 224 states the specifics on what happens to them if the episcopal see becomes vacant.]
Protopresbyters:
Canon 276.1 The protopresbyter is a presbyter who is placed over a district of several parishes so that, in the name of the eparchial bishop and in the same district, he may fulfill the functions determined by law.
Canon 277.1 ... the eparchial bishop ... is to appoint a presbyter especially among the pastors, outstanding for his doctrine and apostolic fervor.
Canon 278.1 ... it is the right and obligation of the protopresbyter to:
1: coordinate and promote common pastoral action;
2: see to it that clerics lead a life in harmony with their own state and that they fulfill their obligations;
3: see to it that the Divine Liturgy and the divine praises are celebrated according to the prescriptions of the liturgical books, that the good appearance and condition of the churches and sacred furnishings are carefully maintained ..., that ecclesiastical good are carefully administered and, finally, that the parish house is properly cared fo.
Canon 278.2 [Note: governs meetings, finding substitutes for clergy, care for clerics and their families (if married), maintain custodial care of Church records and stuff, and is obliged to visit each parish in his district]
* "Dean" or "deanery" is not used anymore.
** The "protopresbyter" is our "liturgy police."
Joe
