N.Y. Religious Corporations Law § 451: Definitions

§ 451. Definitions. As used in this article, the following terms shall

have the following meanings:

1. "Coptic Orthodox Church" refers to the Apostolic Church presided

over by His Holiness, the Pope of Alexandria (Egypt) and the Patriarch

of the See of St. Mark, the legislative body of which is known as the

Holy Synod. The Coptic Orthodox Church is a hierarchical church.

2. "Holy Synod" is the highest legislative and executive authority in

the Coptic Orthodox Church, presided over by His Holiness, the Pope of

Alexandria and the Patriarch of the See of St. Mark and is more formally

known as "The Holy Synod for the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria

and the See of St. Mark."

3. "The Synodical Committee for the Coptic Churches in Immigration"

is, according to the constitution and bylaws of the Holy Synod, formed

and presided over by His Holiness, the Pope of Alexandria and the

Patriarch of the See of St. Mark from among the members of the Holy

Synod, to assist him in marshalling the affairs of the churches abroad.

4. "Unincorporated Coptic Orthodox Church" in this state and a "Coptic

Orthodox Church" heretofore incorporated in this state refers to a

church, cathedral, chapel or other religious organization founded and

established for the purpose of and with the intent of adhering to, and

being subject to the administrative jurisdiction of the Synodical

Committee for the Coptic Churches in Immigration.

5. A "Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese" refers to that person who

is serving as such bishop pursuant to the authority of and in accordance

with the rules and regulations of Synodical Committee for the Coptic

Churches in Immigration. In accordance with the laws of the Holy Synod,

the Pope of Alexandria (Egypt) is the presiding bishop of any new

diocese during the foundation period and until a bishop is ordained for

such diocese. Likewise, and pursuant to such laws, the Pope of

Alexandria (Egypt) is the presiding bishop of any existing diocese which

has no bishop.