Records of Bishops and Church ownership

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III requested that the Synod Secretariat print all Synod decisions regarding Church organisations, like what was decided in relation to Personal Affairs and Monasticism, to be distributed to all members of the Synod, so that new Bishops have it. A personal information form was distributed to all member of the Synod to complete, and it was collected to be kept in the records of the Synod. (Footnote: and all of this has been completed.)

Regarding the ownership and records of churches:

·      Ancient and historical evidence can be used. For example, the oil lamp of the lighthouse in St Mark’s Church in Alexandria as the Government paid for the cost of the oil.

·      The importance of inventory work for the contents of the church, particularly the older churches, its maintenance so that it is not exposed to damage, and restoration needs.

·      The story of the establishment of each church.

·      Records of the design of the church, electrical and water lines, sewage etc.

·      Certificates of baptism and ordination of Deacons.

·      Forms of church membership (there are 4 types of memberships: general, spiritual, active (for service), and leadership).