Church Regulations – Part 1

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the necessity of order and regulation in all matters concerning the Church, affirming that spirituality does not cancel order, and that church ministry cannot succeed by blessing alone without clear structure and responsible organization.
First: The importance of order in church life
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The Gospel itself presented orderly models such as the arrangement of the crowds in the miracle of the five loaves and two fish.
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The biblical command: “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
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Order does not contradict blessing, simplicity, or spirituality.
Second: Areas that require organization inside the Church
1. Files and records
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The need for accurate files for engagements, marriages, baptisms, ordinations, and memberships.
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The importance of keeping original certificates and church copies.
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Certificates must have numbers, dates, and approved designs.
2. Organizing membership and joining the Church
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Rejecting superficial membership for the sake of marriage without proper teaching or correct faith.
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New members must enter catechumen classes to ensure sound belief.
3. Organizing offerings and vows
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Coordinating with donors to know the real needs of the Church instead of random gifts.
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Selecting icons in harmony with the liturgical design and unified style.
4. Organizing service to the poor
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Cooperation among churches to prevent repeated aid to the same person or neglecting true needs.
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Maintaining records of social cases and regular follow-up.
Third: Order in visits, monasteries, and historical churches
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Providing guidance to visitors about proper behavior inside churches or monasteries.
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Avoiding noise, running, and inappropriate photography.
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Suggesting Glass Rooms for children during liturgies to reduce noise and assist mothers.
Fourth: Order in meetings, magazines, and activities
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The need for specialized magazines for each age group: nursery, elementary, preteens, youth, adults.
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Coordinating service and cooperation between churches in schedules and needs.
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Forming committees to review hymns, icons, and church heritage.
Fifth: Organizing construction and official documents
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Keeping all official church documents (land deeds, building permits, presidential decrees).
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Providing clear engineering layouts for electricity, plumbing, and water for future repairs.
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Preserving historical and architectural models of ancient churches.
General spiritual message
Order in the Church is an extension of her holiness and divine structure. It preserves the faith, organizes service, and creates harmony among all members of the one body. A Church that works with order reveals the face of Christ through precision, purity, and care for every soul.
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