Coptic Orthodox Synod Highlights Importance of Russia Orthodox Church Dialogue, Offers Prayers for Ethiopia and Eritrea

Gerges Mounir Hanna – OCP News Service – 06/11/2024

Cairo – Egypt: On November 5, 2024, the Permanent Committee of the Holy Synod convened under the presidency of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, with the attendance of Their Eminences Bishop Benjamin (Menoufia), Bishop Tadros (Port Said), Bishop Paula (Tanta), Bishop Markos (Shubra El-Kheima), Bishop Abram (Fayoum), Bishop Pachomius (Sohag), Bishop Thomas (El Quseya), Bishop Daniel (Maadi), Bishop Maximos (Banha), Bishop Yoannis (Assiut), Bishop Barnaba (Rome), Bishop Gabriel (Beni Suef), Bishop Daniel (Monastery of St. Paul), Bishop Makar (Sharqia), Bishop Yulius (Old Cairo), and Bishop Theophilus (Manfalut). Bishop Pimen (Naqada) apologized for his absence due to the passing of one of his diocese’s priests.

Additionally, Their Eminences Bishop Serapion (Los Angeles), Bishop Youssef (Southern America), and Bishop Gabriel (Austria) participated in the meeting via Zoom.

The committee discussed several pastoral issues, as follows:

First: Concerning the recent developments regarding the seminar scheduled for this month, some bishops shared their perspectives and received clarifications on certain aspects. Some offered apologies for statements made in good faith. Accordingly:

1. Committee members condemn the actions of those who leaked or published a list of some bishops’ names, falsely suggesting they were forming an opposition group within the Church. The committee affirms that matters concerning the Holy Synod are transparently discussed internally.

2. The committee stresses the unity of the Church, with all bishops united under the leadership of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II. We ask everyone to disregard recent social media posts aimed at stirring division and tarnishing the Church and its faithful clergy.

Second: The attendees made the following decisions:

1. Forming a synodal committee to examine any teachings deviating from the Orthodox faith by anyone teaching within the Church. It was affirmed that no individual has the right to accuse another without investigation and an official decision from the Holy Synod.

2. Forming a synodal committee to investigate certain social media pages that have persistently attacked the Church and its clergy, employing sensationalism, rumors, and misinformation to suggest that Church leaders are compromising the faith.

Third: After discussing various pastoral and ecclesiastical matters:

1. The committee praised the Church’s efforts, under the leadership of His Holiness the Pope, in hosting the worldwide Orthodox Churches’ gathering last month in Egypt.

2. It was agreed to continue prayers for the unity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and for the selection of a new patriarch for the Eritrean Church.

3. Committee members commended the growing relationship with the Russian Orthodox Church. In this context, a dialogue between the two Churches is scheduled for November 14-15 in Egypt.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed to hold the festive liturgy for the twelfth anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness the Pope on Monday, November 18, at the Logos Center in the Monastery of Saint Bishoy in Wadi El-Natrun.

The meeting ended as it began, with prayers, commemorative photos, and a wish for peace and growth for the Church of God.

Source:

OCP News Service