The Collection of Ecclesiastical Canons

General Idea of the Lecture

This lecture explains the collections of ecclesiastical canons in the Coptic Orthodox Church, clarifying their historical sources, distinguishing authentic canons from forged ones, and explaining their development through the Apostolic era, the era of the Fathers, Ecumenical and local councils, and finally monastic canons.

First: Apostolic Canons and the Didascalia

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the original Apostolic Canons are 127 canons, and that some canons were falsely attributed to the Apostles. Such forgeries can be detected if they mention ecclesiastical ranks that did not exist in the Apostolic era, such as patriarch or metropolitan.
The Didascalia (Teachings of the Apostles) is presented as explanatory teachings rather than merely legal texts.

Second: Ecumenical Councils

The lecture reviews the major councils recognized by the Church, such as Nicaea, Constantinople, and Ephesus, clarifying the number of canons issued, their doctrinal purpose, and the Church’s rejection of forged canons attributed to them.

Third: Local Councils and Canons of Repentance

The role of local councils, such as Ancyra and Carthage, is explained in organizing Church life, especially regarding the acceptance of those who denied the faith during persecution, with precise distinctions between different cases of denial.

Fourth: Canons of the Great Fathers

The teachings and canonical letters of the great Fathers—especially the Fathers of Alexandria—are considered binding canons in the Universal Church, as their answers and teachings were treated as authoritative legal references.

Fifth: Canons in the Middle Ages

Canonical collections of the Middle Ages, such as those of Ibn al-‘Assal and Ibn Kabar, are discussed, noting their historical importance while acknowledging that they contain certain errors.

Sixth: Monastic Canons

The lecture concludes with monastic canons, beginning with those of Saint Pachomius the Great, followed by Saint Basil the Great and Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite, highlighting their role in organizing communal monastic life after the era of solitary monasticism.

For better translation support, please contact the center.