News of the Holy Synod
News of the Holy Synod
Ecclesiastical Relations Committee
The Synodal Committee for Ecclesiastical Relations held a meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 1986, under the presidency of His Holiness the Pope. In response to a letter from Cardinal Willebrands, President of the Secretariat for Christian Unity at the Vatican, the committee decided that the lifting of anathemas between the two Churches requires reaching solutions regarding the following points:
- The one nature and the two natures of Christ.
- The procession of the Holy Spirit.
- The Catholic doctrine of Purgatory.
- The Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.
- Indulgences.
- Mixed marriages with non-Christians.
- Other issues such as divorce, fasting regulations, and the marriage or celibacy of clergy.
Regarding the first point, the committee proposed that the basis of dialogue should be the doctrinal formula reached by the conference of Orthodox and Catholic theologians organized by the Pro Oriente Foundation in Vienna, Austria, in September 1971. The conference adopted the following statement:
We believe that our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word, is perfect in His divinity and perfect in His humanity, and that He made His divinity one with His humanity without mixture, without mingling, and without change. His divinity did not separate from His humanity for a single moment or the twinkling of an eye.
At the same time, we anathematize both Nestorius and Eutyches and their teachings.
Diocesan Affairs Committee
1. Transfer of Priests Between Dioceses
The committee examined the problem of a priest who is ordained in one diocese, receives a release from his bishop, and then comes to Cairo seeking to become one of its priests, or otherwise creates a situation requiring resolution.
The committee recommended applying Church canons, according to which no judgment may be passed upon a priest except through an Ecclesiastical Council. However, financial support may be suspended, and the priest may submit a complaint or petition to the Diocesan Affairs Committee for reconsideration.
2. Personal Status Registrars
The committee discussed the needs of dioceses regarding the appointment of new personal-status registrars, or the possibility of considering every newly ordained priest as an authorized registrar, in coordination with the Ministry of Justice and the establishment of registration offices.
3. Unified Certificate for Marriage Eligibility
The committee recommended creating a unified certificate confirming the absence of canonical impediments to marriage. The certificate should bear the signature of the parish priest and the seal of the church and be authenticated by the Patriarchate or the Metropolitanate.
The Secretariat of the Holy Synod should also maintain official copies of the seals and authorized signatures of the dioceses.
4. Performing Engagements and Weddings Outside One’s Diocese
The committee recommended that any priest conducting an engagement or marriage ceremony outside his own diocese must carry a letter from his bishop and obtain authorization from the diocese where the engagement or wedding will take place.
Concerning the Filling of Vacant Dioceses
His Holiness the Pope continued receiving delegations concerning the filling of vacant dioceses in Sohag, Dayrout, Manfalut, and Abnoub, and was also receiving letters from Mallawi.
The ordination of bishops for these dioceses was anticipated, while leaving Al-Qusiyyah and Dayr Mawas unchanged. His Grace Anba Arsanius requested the ordination of a bishop to assist him in shepherding the Diocese of Minya and Abu Qurqas.
The Church was also awaiting the ordination of a general bishop to carry out the service previously undertaken by the late His Grace Anba Barsoum.
Advisory Committee for the Bishopric of Services
His Holiness the Pope issued a decision establishing an advisory committee for the Bishopric of Services to assist His Grace Anba Serapion in formulating the bishopric’s general policies.
The committee consisted of:
- His Grace Anba Moussa, Bishop of Youth.
- Former Minister Eng. Ibrahim Naguib.
- Mr. Albert Barsoum.
- Mr. Hanna Narouz, attorney and deputy chairman of the General Lay Council.
- Mr. Michel Fouad, council member and deputy minister in the Ministry of Reconstruction.
- Mr. Adel Raphael, accountant and council member.
- Eng. Maurice Rizk.
- Mr. Nabih Zaki.
- Dr. Tharwat Bassily, businessman.
- Eng. Shawky Fahim, development specialist.
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