The Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church convened its annual session last Friday, 18 May 2018, headed by Pope Tawadros II and Secretary-General Anba Raphail, in attendance of 111 members at Logos Centre in the Papal Headquarter in Anba Bishoi Monastery.
The meeting started with expressing thanks for the Egyptian State’s efforts to bring home the bodies of the Copts martyred by Daesh in Libya in 2015.
The Synod recognised the Coptic Convent of Mar-Girgis (St George) in Ireland as a thriving convent. It also decided that canonisation of saints could only be considered once 40 years have passed since the candidate’s death.
Anba Danial, Bishop of Maadi, was elected Secretary-General of the Holy Synod to replace Anba Raphail whose term expired. Anba Yulius was assigned as General Bishop of Old Cairo churches.
Pope Tawadros proposed holding a ‘Meeting of Brotherly Love’ in Alexandria, that would gather the heads of the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches. The proposition was welcomed by the members, and a committee was formed to follow up on the idea.
A five-member committee of the Holy Synod members was formed and assigned with the task of revising any erroneous material that might be taught in churches by cantors or teachers.
The Holy Synod called upon the Coptic congregation to beware of fake or false teachings posted online, especially when such teachings are posted by irreliable sites or blogs.
Watani International
22 May 2018
