SYNOD, HOLY

Synod, Holy: translation

The supreme ecclesiastical authority of the Coptic church, under the presidency of the Pope. Ever since the foundation of the church by St. Mark in the first century, there has existed such an authority to protect faith, preserve tradition, and ensure the welfare of the church. All metropolitans, bishops, archmandrites and the patriarchal deputies of Cairo and Alexandria are vested with the honor of membership therein. Their number varies from time to time, at the time being they are sixty in average.

See "Councils (Local)."