Coptic Orthodox Church begins selection process for new Pope

The Coptic Orthodox Church has begun the process of selecting a new pope after the 40 day memorial period ended for of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark. HH Pope Shenouda III departed on 17th March 2012 after 41 years of papacy.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom has issued a detailed explanation of the papal selection process, along with a timeline which identifies key stages of the process, saying the following:

"This is an experience with which many will not have been involved in their lifetime, so it was important to provide a simplified explanation, allowing engagement at every level. Within these steps we find a robust process that includes: nominations from peers within the Holy Synod, nominations from laity through the General Lay Council, systematic scrutiny with a process of challenges and appeals, representative democratic election, and above all, the Altar Ballot that encompasses this whole process with a spirit of prayer and trustful submission to the will of God."


For the explanation and timeline please visit the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre Blog: Coptic Orthodox Church begins selection process for new Pope

The Coptic Orthodox Church has begun the process of selecting a new pope after the forty-day memorial period ended for of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa on the holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark. H.H. Pope Shenouda III departed on 17th March 2012 after forty-one years of papacy.

His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom has issued a detailed explanation of the papal selection process, along with a timeline which identifies key stages of the process, saying the following:

"This is an experience with which many will not have been involved in their lifetime, so it was important to provide a simplified explanation, allowing engagement at every level. Within these steps we find a robust process that includes: nominations from peers within the Holy Synod, nominations from laity through the General Lay Council, systematic scrutiny with a process of challenges and appeals, representative democratic election, and above all, the Altar Ballot that encompasses this whole process with a spirit of prayer and trustful submission to the will of God."

For the explanation and timeline please visit the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre Blog, www.CopticCentre.Blogspot.com