The Standing Committee of the Holy Synod convened today (Tuesday 5th of November 2024), under the leadership of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, and in the presence of Their Graces: Metropolitan Benyamin (Monofeya), Metropolitan Tadros (Port Said), Metropolitan Paula (Tanta), Metropolitan Marcos (Shoubra El-Kheima), Metropolitan Abraam (Fayoum), Metropolitan Bakhoum (Sohag), Metropolitan Tomas (Qusiya), Metropolitan Danial (Maadi), Metropolitan Maximous (Banha), Bishop Youannes (Assiut), Bishop Barnaba (Rome), Bishop Ghabriel (Beni Suef), Bishop Danial (Monastery of St. Paul), Bishop Makar (Sharqia), Bishop Yolyous (Old Cairo), and Bishop Theophilus (Manfalut). Metropolitan Biemen (Naqada) apologized for his absence due to the passing of one of the priests in his diocese. Additionally, Metropolitan Serapion (Los Angeles), Metropolitan Youssef (South America), and Bishop Gabriel (Austria) attended the meeting online via Zoom.
The committee discussed several pastoral topics as follows:
Firstly: Regarding the recent repercussions of the seminar that was scheduled for this November, some bishops explained their perspectives and received clarifications about details of the matter. Consequently, some offered apologies for certain statements made with good intention. Accordingly:
1. The committee members condemn the actions of those who leaked or published a list of certain metropolitans and bishops, falsely claiming that they were forming an opposing bloc within the Church. The committee confirms that Holy Synod matters are only discussed internally, and with full transparency and sincerity.
2. The committee affirms the unity of the Church with all its fathers; the Holy Synod members, under the leadership of H.H. Pope Tawadros II.
3. Everyone is asked to disregard what was circulated on social media recently, which aimed to provoke followers and tarnish the Church and its faithful fathers.
Secondly: The attendees decided the following:
1. To form a synodal committee to discuss and examine any teachings that deviate from the Orthodox faith by anyone teaching within the Church, emphasizing that no one has the right to accuse any individual in the Church without investigation and a decision from the Holy Synod about him.
2. To establish a synodal committee for the investigation of individuals who manage certain social media pages that continually attack the Church and its fathers through sensationalism, rumors, and deception of ecclesiastical matters, in order to portray Church fathers as compromising the faith.
Thirdly: After discussing some pastoral and ecclesiastical matters:
1. The committee praised the Church’s efforts, under the leadership of H.H. the Pope, in hosting the global Orthodox Churches’ meeting, held last month in Egypt.
2. It was agreed to continue praying for the unity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and for the election of a new Patriarch for the Eritrean Church.
3. The committee members commended the development of relations with the Russian Orthodox Church, and in this context, a dialogue between the two Churches will be held on the 14th and 15th of November in Egypt.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed to hold a liturgy celebrating the 12th anniversary of the enthronement of H.H. Pope Tawadros II. This will be on Monday the 18th of November, at the Logos Papal Center in the Monastery of Saint Bishoy, Wadi El Natroun.
The meeting concluded, as it began, with prayer and commemorative photographs.
Peace and edification to the Church of God.
Tuesday, 5th of November 2024 – 26th of Paope 1741 A.M.
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