Chapter 2. Formation of the Permanent Committees of the Holy Synod

Changes to Holy Synod Committees in 1985

Original Arabic Text

On formulating the Principal Constitution of the Holy Synod, the titles and numbers of the committees have been changed as mentioned in Section 6 of the Principal Constitution which states as follows:

Article 29:

In addition to the Secretarial Committee, the Holy Synod shall choose from among its members individuals who will undertake duties for the following committees:

  1. The Faith and Education Committee: supervision of all aspects of education in the church, whether in religious institutes, church education [Sunday School], preaching, publications in books or otherwise, and audio and/or video recordings.
  2. The Legislative Committee: responsible for review and collation of Church Canons, and the proposal of necessary canons. [proposing drafts for canons?]
  3. The Diocesans Affairs Committee: studies issues within the dioceses and proposes solutions.
  4. The Church Ritual Committee: supervision of all matters concerning rituals, including worship, church buildings and icons, translation of ritual and hymnological books, Coptic art, and answering any questions regarding rituals.
  5. The Ecumenical Relations Committee: this includes ecumenical relations with sister churches and other churches, and communication with ecumenical organisations.
  6. The Public Relations Committee: this includes the Church’s relations with the other organisations, and establishment of love and good relations with all.
  7. The Pastoral Care and Services Committee: this includes the allocation of servants for church services.
  8. The Church Projects Committee: development projects and the like.
  9. The Synod is permitted to create further committees. *

* see the meeting on 21/06/1986 and the meeting on 18/06/2010

Article 30:

There be formed a committee to oversee the implementation of the Decrees of the Synod and the performance [workings] of its committees. This is formed of the Secretariat of the Synod and all Chairmen of the Permanent Committees which shall meet with His Holiness the Pope regularly regarding it duties of overseeing [the Committees].