With the Ceremony of the Great Message, in the Holy Patriarchal Chapel of Ss Theodoroi,in the presence of the Elected Bishops of Burundi and Rwanda His Grace Savvas and Babylonos His Grace Niphon and before His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa and the honourable members of the Holy Synod and the presentation of the proposals of His Eminence Makarios of Kenya on the topic: “The solemnization of a second religious marriage by African widowed or divorced clergy” and His Eminence Seraphim of Johannesburg and Pretoria on the topic: “The Church of Africa and AIDS, ways of participating in international efforts for social problems, trafficking, child abuse et al”., the first day of deliberations of the Holy Synod of the ancient Patriarchate were completed on the night of 6th October 2009.
The following day, 7th October 2009, the Holy Synod continued its meeting.
At the opening, His Beatitude presented to the Hierarchs the new publications of the Alexandrian Church, which are the three Sung Services of the Holy Patriarchs of Alexandria, Meletios Pigas, Ioakeim Panys, and Gerasimos Palladas, which were composed by His Eminence Kyrillos of Rhodes. The two Volumes titled “Alexandrinos Amitos” dedicated to the memory of Ioannis Hatzifotis, a Greek from Egypt and the last volumes of the “Faros” periodicals (volume p and |Analekta” (volume 8).
The presentation of the following proposals were then made:
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“Pastoral problems of those approaching the Orthodox faith from idolatry” by His Eminence Jonah of Uganda
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“Return of the funeral service to the Divine Liturgy. Sacraments and Divine Eucharist. The liturgical act today in the Throne of Alexandria. Study on the necessity of possible liturgical modifications” by His Eminence Alexandros of Nigeria
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Problems and peculiarities of pastoral theology in the Hellenic Communities in Africa. The presence and activity of national Parishes or Churches in the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate” by His Eminence Sergios of Good Hope
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“Prospects for our ecclesiastic or missionary activity and presence in Islamic countries. Experiences and journeys, dangers, approach, manner of visiting, proposals” by His Eminence Alexios of Carthage
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“The problem of inter-race differences of those approaching Orthodoxy, realizations, dangers. Polygamy – unmarried mothers, approach and pastoral attitude” by His Eminence Ieronymos of Mwanza
Following the presentations of each proposal, dialogue ensued and views were expressed as was each personal experience of the Hierarchs from their pastoral service on the African continent.
The meeting of the Holy Synod will continue in the afternoon with the presentation of the following:
a. “Issues of Ecclesiastical Education on the African Continent. The three existing Seminaries (Nairobi, Kinshasa, Alexandria). Prospects. The already existing seminaries at the Holy Metropolises and Dioceses. Further education of Clergy and the financial situation of this” by His Eminence George of Zimbabw
b. “Experiences and prospects of pastoral and missionary activity from visits to new areas in Africa (eg. Seychelles) by His Eminence Dimitrios of Irinopoli
c. “The spiritual preparation of candidates for the Priesthood and the spiritual life of the clergy. Calls to the Priesthood and the problems in our choices. Preparation of tomorrow’s African missionaries, catechism in Africa today, catechetical textbooks” by His Emiinence Ignatios of Central Africa
d. Missionary Societies, Brotherhoods and the Patriarchate. Cooperation, experiences, prospects” by His Eminence Ioakeim of Zambia
e. Reinstatement of the institute of Deaconesses in the Patriarchate of Alexandria” by His Eminence Gregory of Cameroon
f. “Philanthropic work – factor of promotion of Missionary work” by His Grace Ignatios of Madagscar
g. “Monasticism in Africa. The cultivation of the monastic ideal. Practical issues and peculiarities” by His Grace Meletios of Katanga
