Holy Synod of Ethiopian Orthodox Church Concludes Annual Meeting, Approves Master Plan and Code of Conduct for Statements

The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church concluded its annual meeting, marking the end of a significant period of deliberation and decision-making. Patriarch Abune Mathias issued a statement emphasizing the Synod’s commitment to guiding the Church and its people through resolutions that align with its teachings and traditions.

In his statement, the Patriarch denounced recent messages circulating regarding current issues, which he said do not represent the Church and are not accepted by the Holy Synod. He stressed that such messages are strongly opposed by the church and have no place within its teachings or practices.

The Patriarch explained that conveying fatherly advice and preaching based on the Holy Scriptures has a biblical foundation, rooted in ancient traditions. However, he emphasized that the Synod has rejected recent messages that deviate from these principles. He called for a return to the Church’s established teachings and practices.

To prevent the spread of unapproved messages in the future, the Holy Synod has decided to develop a code of conduct for issuing statements and preaching activities. This initiative aims to ensure that all communications from the Church are consistent with its doctrine and the guidance of the Synod.

The Synod also extensively discussed a draft religious affairs regulation and forwarded its recommendations for improvement to the relevant government body. Before the regulation is finalized, a committee has been established to monitor the implementation of proposed amendments, ensuring alignment with the Church’s interests and values.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has approved a ten-year master plan to modernize its administration. The Synod has decided to implement this plan, establishing an organizational structure that adheres to the Church’s canon and the Ecclesiastical Code. This structure is designed to facilitate the effective execution of the master plan.

Finally, the Holy Synod approved the annual budget for the Ethiopian year 2017, ensuring the Church can continue its mission and service to the community. The decisions made during this meeting reflect the Synod’s ongoing commitment to upholding the Church’s teachings and serving its people.

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