Synod Structure and Leadership

Current Composition

As of June 2025, the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church has 139 members, presided over by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II.

Who Makes Up the Synod

The Synod comprises a variety of ranks within the episcopate. Key categories include:

• The Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, who is the chair and first among equals.
• Metropolitans: Senior bishops overseeing major dioceses or regions.
• Diocesan Bishops: Bishops in charge of dioceses (geographical jurisdictions).
• General / Auxiliary Bishops: Assistants or bishops with specialised or supporting roles; may not have a full diocese.
• Bishop-Abbots: Bishops who are also heads of monasteries.

How It Works

• The Pope summons and chairs sessions of the Synod.
• The Synod meets in general sessions regularly; for example, in June 2025, 112 out of the 139 members attended the session.
• Decisions are made collectively by the members. The decrees passed in Synod sessions carry authoritative weight for doctrine, liturgy, canon law, Church governance, and pastoral practice.