Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church

The Holy Synod is the highest authority of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The Pope of Alexandria presides over it, and every metropolitan and bishop of the church is a member by virtue of office.

What it does

The Coptic Encyclopedia describes the synod as the church's highest legislative body. It makes church law, rules on questions of doctrine and ritual, and supervises the election of a new pope from nomination to enthronement.

Its constitution, as the encyclopedia summarises it, was ratified on 2 June 1985. The Patriarchate's website lists a Holy Synod Regulation with the date June 1985 among the church's regulations.

Committees

The synod works through committees. The Patriarchate's website shows a standing committee headed by Pope Tawadros II, whose members include the heads of committees for faith and teaching, pastoral care and service, the family, monasticism and monasteries, diocesan affairs, ecumenical relations, public relations, media and information, and the affairs of the Coptic diaspora.