The 4^th Seminar for Holy Synod Members was hold on “Coptic Identity” from Monday, November 14^th to Thursday, November 17^th, 2016 at the LOGOS Center 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 110 of Holy Synod Members.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II started the seminar with a lecture entitled “The Coptic Church… History & Glories” During the seminar, His Holiness reviewed the “Renew Our Days as the Old” project, whose first stages were held during last September and October, during which 1,000 church teachers were trained.

The following lectures have been given in the seminar:

+ Ecclesiastical Heritage Characteristics … Metropolitan Benyamin

+ Coptic Identity … Bishop Tomas

+ Coptic Orthodox Education Characteristics … Bishop Raphael

+ Coptic Literature Heritage … Fr. Basilios Sobhy

+ Archaeological Awareness … Dr. Atef Naguib

+ Coptic Art Characteristics … Dr. Gamal Lamei 

His Holiness the Pope also delivered his weekly sermon on Wednesday, November 16^th, at Transfiguration Church at Logos Center, in the presence of a large number of church bishops who were present in the center to participate in the activities of the fourth seminar of the Holy Synod. The theme of the sermon was “How do we live a life of surrender?”

On the morning of the last day of the seminar, Thursday, November 18^th, 2016, His Holiness the Pope prayed the Divine Liturgy at Transfiguration Church at Logos Center on the fourth anniversary of his ordinance, and about 110 Holy Synod members who participated in the seminar participated with him, and His Holiness the Pope delivered the sermon of the Divine Liturgy on the features of Ecclesiastical work where he spoke about:

Spiritual interconnectedness, the role of the people, the life of discipleship, constant prayer at the altar, and finally the linking of the heavenly life with temporal reality

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