Decisions and Recommendations of the Holy Synod - June 2019 Session
First: Decisions
Recognition of:
1- The Monastery of St. Hermina the Hermit in Asyut, Egypt
2- The Monastery of St. Mary & St. John the Beloved on the Ismailia Desert Rd, Egypt
3- The Convent of St. Mary & St. John the Beloved, Ohio, USA
Second: Recommendations
The Committee of Diocesan Affairs
1- Postponement of the enthronement of the newly-ordained bishops for a period that ranges between one and three months that the bishop may devote time for learning and gaining of experience
2- Creation of an account for the dioceses in need that other dioceses may voluntarily offer financial help, considering the biblical principle: “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common” (Acts 2:44)
3- Establishment of a training curriculum for consecrated men and women, guiding them to different areas of service (full-time working individuals) and encouraging complementary and higher learning in their areas of service
The Committee of Family
1- Incorporation of the curriculum for senior citizens to the Institute of Care curricula
2- Providing senior citizens’ housing in all dioceses and holding weekly meetings for them in all churches
3- To study the addition of “A Pledge for the Bridegroom & Bride” to the Crowning Ceremony
4- Formation of a subcommittee to care for women and all their needs
The Committee of Care & Service
1- Creation of a database to integrate the Committee of Righteousness in every diocese with the Central Committee of the Patriarchate
2- Adding mental health and anti-addiction classes to the curricula of theological schools and religious institutes
3- Implementation of early-detection programs for disabilities
The Committee of Faith & Education
1- Formation of a committee to develop a constitution of faith for the Coptic Orthodox Church
2- Formation of a new subcommittee, headed by H.E. Metropolitan Hedra, to review faith-related concerns about incorrect teachings either in media or church platforms
The Committee of Ecumenical Relations & Dialogue
1- Creation of an ecumenical chart for all relations and dialogues [of the Coptic Orthodox Church] with other churches, and the creation of an electronic categorized record, documenting the results of dialogues
The Committee of Public relations
1- To highlight the national role of the clergy and laity, and their influence on society, through the ecclesiastical education curricula, church platforms, and media
The Committee of Rites
1- The Hymn of “Alli El-orban” (Alleluia of the Oblations) is to be said throughout the year
2- Neither of the hymns, “O nim nai” (“…oh what are these symphonies…”) & “Ya kol al sofoof al sama-eyeen” (“All You Heavenly Orders”), are to be said beginning from the Feast of the Ascension
The Committee of Media & Information
1- To care for the high achievers and talented sons and daughters of the Church in all areas
2- Creation of a knowledgebase for the Coptic Orthodox Church to include all ecclesiastical sciences and all its branches
3- Documentation of the lives of the patriarchs, metropolitans, bishops, and priests of the Coptic Orthodox Church during the 20th and 21st centuries
The Committee for Monasticism & Monasteries Affairs
1- To publish a written record about the Coptic Orthodox monasteries and convents in and out of Egypt
The Committee for the Immigration Lands Affairs
1- If there is a need for an exception to Ecclesiastical Canons and Holy Tradition for the care of churches in the immigration lands, the priest must return to his bishop for guidance, and the bishop may contact His Holiness the Pope
The Standing Committee
1- Formation of The Council of Ecclesiastical Education by His Holiness the Pope as a first step to implement The Theological Academy Bylaws
