Bishop Raphel elected as the Secretary to the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church

Bishop Raphael

Cairo, 22 November: The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria and All Africa announced Bishop Raphael as the new Secretary to the Holy Synod.Bishop Raphael will replace His Eminence Metropolitan Bishoy, Bishop of Damietta, who took this office since 1995. The deselection was made in the session of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Church presided by Pope Pope Tawadros II.
Bishop Raphael had been one of the three candidates whose names had been submitted for the Sacred Lot and has served as General Bishop for Central Cairo. He will be supported by three assistant secretaries, Bishop Thomas of El Qussiya, Bishop Youssef of Florida & the South of USA and Bishop Apollo of South Sinai, the last being nominated by Pope Tawadros II.

The Metropolitan of the Holy Metropolis of Glastonbury and Primate of the British Coptic Orthodox Church, Abba Seraphim, who returned to London after the papal enthronement, had sent his apologies for not attending the Synod, but stated that he believed the bishops had reflected the wider opinion of the Coptic community and that the choice had fallen on able and talented men.

The first picture of the Holy Synod with His Holiness Pope Tawadros. Photo Source: Lovers of Bishop Rafael(facebook page)