The 2^nd Seminar for Holy Synod Members was hold on “Church Towards A Better Future” from Monday, February 17^th to Tuesday, February 18^th, 2014 at the papal residence at St. Bishoy Monastery, in the presence and patronage of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Holy Synod Secretary and the presence of 90 of Holy Synod Members.

The Seminar program contained the following:

First: The Topics

1. The Church between Reality & Future (The Church after the transitional period in Egypt) … His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
2. Christian Unity … Bishop Serapion
3. Atheism and how to confront it? … Bishop Macarius
4. Media, its impact and how to deal with it? … Fr. Boules Halim

Second: The Workshops

1. Men Consecration Service

Moderators: Bishop Tadros, Bishop Tomas, Bishop Maximous (Banha), Bishop Theodosius

2. Holy Synod Committees Acting

Moderator: Bishop Youssef (SUS)

Third: Dioceses Experiences:

Experiences were exchanged between fathers, and 5 different experiences were presented to each of:

1. Metropolitan Bishoy: Presenting a scientific research to try to unify the Easter date
2. Metropolitan Hedra: Presenting his pastoral experiences with the priests of his diocese.
3. Bishop Dawoud: Presenting his pastoral experiences in the diocese.
4. Bishop Angaelos: Presenting a photo report on youth service in England.
5. Bishop Mercurius: Presenting the experience of the addiction treatment center in Gerga.

The Seminar concluded with final recommendations session:

• Seminar Evaluation
• Seminar Results Summarize
• Open Discussion

The fathers requested that the subjects that need study and research be transferred to the sub-committees of Holy Synod.

The atmosphere of the seminar was dominated by the spirit of unity, communion and joy.

The fathers thanked His Holiness and Holy Synod Secretary, and expressed their joy at this seminar.

The Lord uses this seminar for the glory of His Holy Name, the growth of His Holy Church, and the salvation of our souls.