Having its own head; independent of episcopal or patriarchal jurisdiction, as certain Greek churches.

Self-headed, autonomous. Used to describe a branch of the Orthodox Church (e.g., the Serbian Church) that could, while remaining in communion with Constantinople, elect its own bishop and administer itself; such a Church, however, did not have the power to alter doctrine. (Fine, John V.A. Jr. The Late Medieval Balkans, 621)

having its own head and not subordinate to another authority, but still in communion with other Churches