Chapter 5. Monks and Monasteries

Data collection of applicants for monasticism

Original Arabic Text
  1. The Holy Synod has issued a decree requiring the following data to be disclosed by those applying for monasticism:

    2. a.     Is he from a single family and supports them?

    b.     Has he ever got engaged?

    c.     Has he ever got married?

    d.     Has he ever been to another monastery and left?

    e.     Are there civil or ecclesiastical rulings against him, or has he been brought to trial?

  2. It is possible to request a report on these matters from the Bishop of the diocese from which he came.
  3. The Holy Synod emphasised the importance of a communication between the monasteries to exchange information, as it confirms what has already been decided by the Holy Synod to examine the doctrine of the applicant for monasticism to verify Orthodoxy, and also to examine if he received Orthodox baptism.
  4. His Holiness confirmed the above approval of the Holy Synod, by making a complete file in each of the monasteries with the names of monks, information about them, and sending a copy of it to the Secretariat of the Synod. Also, a request was made for a special file for each monk to whom sanctions were applied, or received complaints against him. His Holiness also stressed the importance of exchanging all information between monasteries.