This Qale Awadi (Ecclesiastical Constitution) may be cited as The Parish Council “Qale Awadi” (Bylaw) revised for the fourth time and enacted in 2009 E.C. (2017) to strengthen the unity and administration of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

1. “Parish Council” means:
   1. The parish council of the local church comprising clergies, the faithful, and the youth of the Sunday School, who can provide aids for the church with their knowledge, labor, and services, and who are also eligible to elect and be elected as members of the parish church administration council (Executive Committee) already established or yet to be established at local church level.
   2. The Woreda (sub-city) parish council comprising clergies, the faithful, and the youth of Sunday School, who are representatives of each local church’s parish council, and who are eligible to elect and be elected as members of the Woreda parish administration council already established and yet to be established to expand and control the wealth and services of the locality.
   3. The archbishop diocese parish council comprising clergies, the faithful, and the youth of Sunday School, who are representatives of each Woreda parish administration council, and who are eligible to elect and be elected as members of the archbishop diocese parish administration council already established and yet to be established at diocese level.
   4. The Patriarchate General parish council (the national general council of church) comprising clergies, the faithful, and the youth of Sunday School, who are representatives of each archbishop diocese parish administration council, and who are eligible to elect and be elected as members of the Patriarchate Parish Administration Council (Executive Committee) already established and yet to be established.
2. “Parish administration council” means an executive committee appointed by the respective parish councils already established and yet to be established at different levels—local church, district, diocese, and the general patriarchate—for the services of the respective parish councils.
3. “The parish church administrator” means:
   1. Chief (teacher) of a monastery (The abbot)
   2. The head of church
   3. The chief priest or head appointed for rural church
4. “Manager” means:
   1. Manager of Woreda diocese (district diocese)
   2. Manager of the diocese
5. “General Manager” means General Manager of the Head Diocese.

Parish council is established by the Qale Awadee (Ecclesiastical Constitution) from the patriarchate to the local church level under the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Holy Synod.

This Qale Awadee (Ecclesiastical Constitution) hereby imposes an obligation for the establishment of parish council at every place where the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and Diocese offices exist.

Renown union monasteries are not obliged to establish a parish council as they are administered by monastery administrative rules and regulations enacted by the Holy Synod; exceptions may however be made depending on the area and the necessity thereof.

Parish councils established and to be established from local church and Woreda to the patriarchate level shall be accounted on behalf of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church as per articles 398 and 399 of the Ethiopian Civil Code.

City of the bishopric of each diocese shall be considered as one Woreda and shall establish its own parish council.

1. Parish Council of clergies and the faithful of the local church
2. Parish council of Woreda (district)
3. Parish council of the Archbishop diocese
4. The Patriarchate General Parish Council

The Parish Council will have the following objectives:

1. Protecting the Holy church and ensuring the accomplishment of its services;
2. Organizing church servants with apostolic functions and improving their skills and livelihoods;
3. Ensuring that the faithful become matured with spiritual knowledge and that they stay firm with faith and good deeds;
4. Strengthening church administration and enabling it to become economically self sufficient;

The parish council shall accomplish the following functions towards the realization of its objectives:

1. Preach the gospel of God and expand its teaching;
2. Establish and organize spiritual and modern schools of church;
3. Deliver spiritual and social services to all followers;
4. Establish and strengthen Sunday schools;
5. Fulfill all those needs required for church service;
6. Ensuring that the administration and services of church are directed by spiritual laws and regulations;
7. Ensuring that the church become self-sufficient in terms of wealth and property;
8. Ensuring that the wealth and property of the church are recorded and inventoried and developed as per the rules and regulations enacted by the Holy Synod;
9. Ensuring the implementation of laws, rules, regulations, decisions, and orders passed by superiors as per the law of the church;
10. Ensuring that parish councils, whether they are near or far, collaborate and support each other;
11. Establishing different welfare organizations and fulfilling their services;
12. Preparing plans and programs as well as supervising timely implementation of activities of building renovation and maintenance;
13. Keeping timely record and reporting to the pertinent bodies of statistical data pertaining to the number of followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church as well as the property, finance, revenue and expenses and other related data;
14. Ensuring that all matters concerning the church are implemented as per this bylaw;
15. Assessing the functions mentioned from number 1 to 14 of this article, and acting accordingly, and when necessary collaborating with the concerned individuals and organizations to ensure that they are implemented;

1. Formation

1. As per this bylaw, clergies, the faithful and the youth of Sunday School of a certain local church shall jointly establish parish council of the local church;
2. The parish council established in this manner shall hold a general congregation in the attendance of the local church’s clergies and the faithful twice a year accordingly;
3. The parish council shall elect an executive committee that shall meet twice a month to accomplish the tasks and responsibilities bestowed upon it, and thereby implement the objectives and functions of the Qale Awadee (Ecclesiastical Constitution).
4. No association of clergies, of the faithful or of the youth of Sunday School can be established by the name of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, unless it is recognized by the parish council of the local church; or unless it is permitted by the diocese, or by the Head diocese, or by the Holy Synod.

2. Structure

1. One parish council presided by the church administrator;
2. One parish administrative council (executive committee) presided by the church administrator;
3. Office of the local parish council;
4. Different work units of the locality;

1. Upon a call to the church clergies and the faithful by the parish church administrator or concerned bodies, quorum of general congregation shall be constituted.
2. Abiding by the rules and regulations of church, the members of the parish council, by chairmanship of the church administrator, shall ensure that all works are implemented; and on those matters that are to be settled by vote, they shall do accordingly.
3. Members entitled to vote:
   1. Followers of the religion of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church;
   2. The faithful registered by the local parish council with ID cards; and those who have been in the locality at least for six months;
   3. Those who have legal IDs as evidence that they are dwellers of the locality (area);
   4. Those who fulfill their membership duties at the local church;
   5. Clergies and the faithful of above 18 years, irrespective of genders (male and female).
4. An electoral committee, comprising clergies, the faithful, and the youth of Sunday School, and whose number is not less than five and not exceeding 15, shall be appointed to conduct the parish election process. The electoral committee shall carry out the election on the very day. The members of the committee shall fulfill the requirements stated in No. 3 of this article; they shall be known with their religious devotion and ethical conduct; and they shall also be literate.
5. As per article 11 No. 3 of the Qale Awadee (Ecclesiastical Constitution), one month ahead of the conduct of a new parish council election, a standard report of the outgoing parish council on accomplishments during its tenure, its planned activities as well as its overall works and financial performances shall be presented to the diocese, and then the plan and the report will be reviewed and presented to the locality.
6. The members of the executive committee mentioned in article 10 of the Qale Awadee (Bylaw) shall be appointed by the electoral committee from amongst the presented candidates.
   1. Upon nomination by the administrative council (the executive committee), the parish council shall elect heads for the work units of the parish council, cited in chapter 4, article 15 of the Qale Awadee (Ecclesiastical Constitution).
   2. With regard to permanent servants, the diocese, assessing the revenue and activities of the local church, shall decide in congregation and assign ordained priests upon recruitment on the basis of their religious devotion, ethical manner, knowledge and experience.
   3. In those low income churches, the works shall be done by those members who are elected from amongst priests and the faithful.
7. Upon investigation and agreement on the annual budget assessed and presented by the administrative council, it shall present it in its standard to the office of archbishop diocese for permission.
8. It shall get the finance and asset of the local church as well as revenue and expenditure audited by the end of the budget year or at another time of need, either by the accountant of the diocese, or as needed and upon permission by the diocese, by external auditor hired by the Head diocese as well as by the diocese.
9. It shall hear the financial, asset, and performance statement as well as audit report of the parish church submitted by the administrative council; and if any doubtful matter, it shall decide with majority vote.
10. The accountability of this council shall be to the woreda (district) parish administrative council or to woreda (district) diocese office as per the hierarchy.

1. The electoral committee shall get nominated candidates and carry out the election on the very day; and if not successful, it shall hold the election by the following Sunday.
2. The electoral committee shall assess the candidates running for membership of the executive committee and present the same to the local clergies and the faithful for election.
3. It shall also check the criteria of the voters as per article 8 No. 3 of the Qale Awadee (Ecclesiastical Constitution).
4. The electoral committee shall give briefings to the voters before the commencement of the voting regarding the identity and qualification of the candidates so that they can make an informed choice.
5. The voting process, depending on the area, shall be either by writing, on card or by raising hands and getting them counted.
6. The electoral committee shall have responsibility that if its candidates aren’t supported by the local priests and the faithful, it shall bring other nominees, by the tip of the congregation, for the election.
7. Upon completion of the voting, it shall count the votes thereupon, sign the memo and present the same to the church’s administrator.
8. The church’s administrator shall present the election minute submitted by the electoral committee to the woreda (district) diocese for ratification and implementation.

The type and number, electoral procedure, and the criteria of members for the local church parish administrative council (executive committee) shall be as follows:

1. Composition and Size of Members

The local church parish administrative council (executive committee) shall have, along with the church administrator, members not less than five and not exceeding nine as follows:

1. The parish church administrator — Chairman of the council.
2. As mentioned under this section in letters C & D, amongst clergies and the faithful who is capable of administration, church law-abiding, with good conduct, and whose age is not less than 30 and not exceeding 60 — Deputy Chairperson of the council.
3. Clergies from amongst those serving the local church on regular basis, and not less than two and not exceeding four in numbers — Members of the council.
4. One youngster from Sunday School along with other members to be elected from amongst the faithful not less than two and not exceeding four in numbers — Members of the council.
5. The regular secretary of the church shall be the secretary of the local parish council; however, his vote shall not be considered during decision. And in those local churches where there is no regular secretary, a clergy, among those who serve on regular basis, shall be secretary of the parish church — Secretary of the council.

2. Election Procedures

A. Criteria of Elects from Clergies

The nominees from the clergies shall:

1. Those regular clergies fit for administrative duty;
2. Those who are free from actions of non-Christians, and those who are not influenced by matters such as ethnicity and related issues;
3. Those who are far from conspiracy, intoxication, greed for money and who are ethical, humble and descent;
4. Those who are dedicated to church services through prayer and hasty for preaching of the gospel;
5. Those who are free of financial fraud; and free from other crime records or conviction, and those whose rights, by any circumstance, are not suspended, and whose ages are above 21 years shall be elected.

B. Criteria of Elects from the Faithful

The nominees from the faithful regardless of gender:

1. Church-law abiding, and those who are registered as members of the parish council of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and fulfill their duties;
2. Those who have IDs for their being residents of the locality;
3. Those who are free from actions of non-Christians, and those who are not influenced by affairs such as ethnicity and related issues;
4. Those who are far from conspiracy, intoxication, greed for money and who are ethical, humble and descent; and free of financial fraud or other crime records or convictions; and those whose rights, by any circumstance, are not suspended;
5. Residents of the locality, whose ages are between 21 and 60 years, shall be elected.

C. Criteria of Elects from Sunday School

The nominees from Sunday school shall, their category being among the faithful and:

1. Those who are registered members of the parish Sunday School;
2. Those whose ages are between 18 to 35 years;
3. Competent and those who are known for their proficiency;
4. Those who are firm with the faith of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo;
5. Those young people, who have never had problem with issues pertaining to dogma, canon and order of the church, shall be elected regardless of their genders.

1. Amendment, Invalidation, and Ratification of the Election:
   1. All parish council elections at the level of local church, upon the submission by the woreda (district) diocese, shall be approved by the archbishopric diocese. The archbishop may amend or invalidate the election if he finds its implementation incorrect.
   2. If flaw of religion, embezzlement or other problem is encountered after the members of the parish council have commenced works, the diocese may, upon assessment by administrative council, cancel the decision.
2. The elected clergy or a faithful shall stay in duty for a term of three years; the member may be eligible for reelection; however the member cannot serve for more than two consecutive terms.
3. The local church parish council shall present its performance report before the end of its term and the conduct of the next election.
4. Election of new members shall be done one month before the end of the term of incumbent members; the newly elected members shall however commence work upon the full expiry of the term of the incumbent members.
5. Training shall be organized for newly elected members on the Qale Awadee (Ecclesiastical Constitution) and other church matters.
6. Replacement Members:
   If the position of a member is vacant due to death or transfer or for the reasons cited under article 10 No 2 (A–C), or because the member is elected for the woreda (district) administrative council, the member who has obtained the second highest vote after the winning member of the previous election shall assume the position. If there is no member for such replacement, the clergies and the faithful shall hold yet another election to fill the vacant space. The elected member shall serve till the expiry of the term.

The local church’s parish council administrative council (executive committee), in addition to its tasks vested by virtue of chapter two, articles 5 and 6 of the Qale Awadi (Ecclesiastical Constitution), shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Shall have obligations to ensure that the beliefs and orders of the church as well as structure of Synod are maintained.
2. Shall study and consult on preservation of ecclesiastical objects, Holy Scriptures, and different heritages and ensure that they are well maintained.
3. Shall set up special congregation of clergies to oversee matters related to faith and mysteries of church in the local parish.
4. Shall, through the congregation of clergies appointed thereof, preside over matters related to accusations that arise among couples who are married with church matrimony as well as matters related to priesthood. If the matter is beyond the mandate of this congregation, it shall, as per the hierarchy, present it to the higher body.
5. Shall protect the youth of Sunday School from all forms of evil; ensuring that all the teaching to them and the songs which they sing are on the basis of the dogma, canon, and tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church; it shall have the obligation to follow and supervise that their actions and conducts would not be out of the teaching of Christianity; it shall help those young people who are not registered in Sunday School be registered and be firm with faith and deed.
6. Legal personality and actions:
   1. Shall take delivery of contributions and report it to the pertinent unit.
   2. Shall sue and be sued on behalf of the local church.
7. In agreement with the Qale Awadee (Ecclesiastical Constitution), by submitting its plan and study to the diocese, and upon permission, on behalf of the local parish church, it:
   1. shall sign contractual agreement
   2. enter litigation
   3. can lease and render lease for both fixed and non-fixed assets
   4. can obtain bank loan when necessary, only for feasible development works, upon a consensus of the Diocese Administrative Council under the chairmanship of the archbishop, and upon the archbishop’s permission by written approval.
8. When necessary for entering an agreement on fixed assets and on matters with high estimation, upon decision by the administrative council under the chairmanship the archbishop, and upon permission by written approval, can sign contractual agreement.
9. As per the rules and regulations enacted by the Holy Synod, determine on details pertaining to the asset and resource management of the local church.
10. Notify the amount of money contributed by priests and the faithful at the parish, and ascertain the submission of the same as per article 56/1 of this Qale Awadee.
11. Ensure timely submission to the diocese, as per article 57/1 of this Qale Awadee, 20% of the parish church’s total income for the purpose of general administration of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church, education, evangelization, development, charity, as well as for joint plans and various activities by different parishes.
12. Ensure submission, upon permission at central level, 20% of the income obtained during the construction of new church-building, school, clinic etc, except by charity from individuals, organizations, and donors.
13. Allocate budget for teachers and students of church schools at the local church parish for the expansion and strengthening of the schools.
14. Deposit, in the name of the parish church, all revenues of the church in a bank account opened by the permission of the diocese archbishop.
15. Examine and present the annual budget of the church to the office of the archbishopric diocese; implement the budget upon receiving it after its examination, agreement, and approval by the office of the Archbishopric diocese.
16. Establish the church’s parish council office and work units.
17. Look into and take decision on the performance statement submitted at the agreed schedule by the church office and the audit report of the parish supervisor.
18. When it is necessary to construct a building at the local parish, it shall establish a construction committee for the planned project upon receiving permission and direction from the diocese; it shall get members of this committee elected by the congregation of priests and the faithful of the local church.
19. Open a separate bank account in the name of the church, upon permission of the diocese, for the construction project.
20. When money is withdrawn from bank:
    1. If it is the regular parish council’s expense, it shall be withdrawn upon the joint signatures of the church’s administrator and Deputy Chairperson of the parish.
    2. If it is the construction expense, it shall be withdrawn by withdrawal cheque upon the joint signatures of the administrator and construction committee’s chairperson; or in the absence of the construction committee’s chairperson, the deputy shall be a joint signatory.
21. Examine and amend, annul, and approve those decisions passed by the different units of the local church on various matters.
22. Examine the faults committed by servants of the parish church and identify administrative matters from within and pass verdict accordingly; and bring those issues related to crime to be dealt according to the law.
23. Elect and send to the Woreda’s general parish council, one priest, one faithful and one young Sunday school student from the members of the administrative council.
24. Upon permission of the diocese, present to the congregation of priests and the faithful, a report at the meeting held every six months and also one month ahead of the expiry of the tenure of the parish administrative council, on its performance and financial expenses.
25. Oversee and prevent unnecessary activities that are out of canon of the church, during major holidays and celebrations of the church.
26. Supervising and prohibiting activities with loud speakers and noises, except for those with permission, of cassette vending and other items on the premises of the church and its environs.
27. Oversee and prohibit activities carried out on the premises of the church, either at halls or various shelters within it, at times of Mahlet (church service), liturgy, gospel teaching, and other spiritual services.
28. The parish administrative council of the local church shall be accountable to the office of the woreda (district) diocese.

In order to implement the objective and function mentioned in Articles 5 and 6 of this Ecclesiastical Constitution (Qale Awadee), the administrator shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Being a chief executive of the parish, the church administrator, as per this Ecclesiastical Constitution (Qale Awadee) and as per bylaws enacted following this Ecclesiastical Constitution, shall be accountable for the parish clergies and the faithful as well as for spiritual services and administration of the local church.
2. Shall lead the administration and spiritual services of the local parish church as per the rules and regulations enacted by the Holy Synod for the church workers spiritual services and administration.
3. Shall conduct and facilitate orientation for the whole clergies and the faithful of the local church before the election of the executive committee of the local parish council.
4. Shall closely follow and supervise the organization and proper implementation of the work units mentioned in chapter 4, article 16, number 1 of this Ecclesiastical Constitution (Qale Awadee).
5. Shall supervise and check that workers of the local church and the faithful have identification cards; and that all the faithful are registered at the local parish; and that documents of baptism, matrimony, and the deceased are used properly.
6. Shall teach and keep the faithful of the local church and their children with the teachings of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church; furthermore, shall give order to soul fathers to teach and keep their soul children.
7. Shall closely follow that revenues of the church are collected properly; and that every fixed and non-fixed asset of the church is well maintained, and that they are properly utilized.
8. As per the budget allocation from superior, approve implementation of every expenditure.
9. Pursuant to article 12 sub-articles 7–9, upon acceptance from the parish administrative council as well as upon approval and permission by letter of the diocese parish administrative council, the administrator, jointly with the deputy chairperson, shall enter and sign agreement.
10. Shall call meeting of the parish administrative council; shall act according to the decisions and supervise the implementation.
11. Shall submit to the woreda (district) diocese for approval of the election of members of the local parish administrative council and heads of the different work units.
12. On behalf of the local parish administrative council, the administrator shall present biannual report on matters pertaining to the parish clergies and the faithful; the church workers; finance and property; as well as about performances of the different work units, to congregation of the parish clergies and the faithful; and shall refer the decision to the woreda (district) diocese.
13. Shall not take unilateral decision, without discussion and consensus of the parish executive committee, and without the consent of superior body, on issues related to salary increment, promotion, transfer, and firing of workers.
14. Shall supervise performances of workers, based on report submitted by different pertinent heads; shall advise; shall reprove wrongdoers; and shall issue oral and written warning.
15. Shall implement all the assigned functions in line with the decision made as per the Ecclesiastical Constitution.

1. The deputy shall act in place, but absence of the church administrator.
2. The deputy shall, by joint signatures with the administrator, release the approved regular expense of the parish.
3. The deputy shall not deal with matters related to church mysteries if he is not ordained priesthood.
4. The deputy shall be accountable to the church administrator.

1. Administration of Monasteries

1. Unified monasteries shall, according to the monasteries, have their own bylaws and administrative regulations effective upon examination and approval by their respective dioceses. If necessary, it can be enacted by the Holy Synod upon request by the diocese.
2. As per the procedure of the monastery, different work units and offices shall be established in the monasteries.
3. Pursuant to the prayer and fasting procedure, fields for education of monks and areas of careers for different services shall be put in place.
4. Nuns shall, being confined within the premises of the designated monastery as per the order of monastic system, live helping themselves and others.
5. Monasteries shall have their own designated places.
6. Whether they are organized with parish or not, the faithful who live in the surrounding of unified monasteries, without prejudice to article 3/3 of the Qale Awadee, shall make financial contribution or in kind.
7. Any revenue of the monasteries shall be collected only by receipts printed by supervision of the Head Diocese and authorization of the office of the diocese; and models 30 and 64 shall be used for collection of money, and model 19 for revenue in kind. A monastery, which collects revenue in amount or in kind with unauthorized receipts that are not approved by the Head Diocese or by the diocese, shall be held accountable legally.
8. Any revenue of the monastery shall be deposited in the bank account opened by the approval of the archbishop of the diocese. The account is operated by the joint signatures of the head of the monastery and a representative elected by the congregation of the monks/nuns.
9. All monasteries, where parish council prevails or not, shall pay 20% to the diocese of their income from the faithful and other sources.
10. Monks and nuns in the monastery as well as the faithful living around shall be registered on the parish council’s record by the monastery.
11. Vow shall be given for those who meet the requisite of sub-article 3 of this article and who will have stayed three years in the monastery.
12. Vow shall not be given outside monastery, except for ordained priests with recognition and approval of an archbishop.
13. For a head of monastery (teacher), in time of need for travel out of the monastery, shall request permission and approval from the archbishop of the diocese.
14. The monastery shall be accountable to the archbishop and the office of the diocese.

2. Head of Monastery

1. The head of the monastery shall administer the unified monastery served by the congregation of monks and nuns as per the order and decision of the Holy Synod.
2. Give ranks to monks who are elected and presented on the basis of high values of moral, education, and dedicated prayers, and assign them for different activities in the monastery, as chief of seat, chief of disciples, and feeder of.
3. Establish development, through consultation with the administration of the monastery and permission from the archbishop of the diocese, whereby monks and nuns of the monastery can get handicraft vocational training to be self-sufficient and support the monastery as well, thereby expanding the spiritual and social services of the monastery.
4. Vest the vow through the Archbishop of the diocese when qualified monks of the monastery fulfill the requisite cited under subsection 3 of this article.
5. Issue certificate for nuns and monks, who take vow.
6. Conduct tight supervision on monks moving out and in of the monastery area with no good reason and without permission, and take canonic punishment.

3. Requisite for Taking Vow

A) The Faithful Who Are Taking Vow

1. Those who are recognized and certified by their respective local parish councils that they are firm with the faith of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
2. Those who have proper understanding on the life of monastery, and who are also committed to fulfilling their vows properly.
3. Those who can provide evidence for their virginity or their marriage before taking vow.
4. Except in cases of adequate ground, they must reach 30 years of age and above.
5. Those who are sane, calm and patient.
6. Those faithful, who have spent a three-year trial period in the monastery, shall take vow.
7. The three-year trial period shall not be implemented with the faithful who are above 60 years of age.

B) Church Servants Who Are Taking Vow to Serve with Priesthood

1. Those who fulfill the requirements set under this number in (A) from 1–7;
2. Those who have knowledge of books of monasteries (monks), and who keep the order of monastery;
3. Those who have church education and knowledge of Holy scriptures;
4. Those who are recognized for their being exemplary, their wisdom and skills, shall take vow and be ordained.

4. After Taking Vow

1. As they have made covenant upon taking vow, they should keep their vows till the end of earthly life.
2. They are expected to serve their respective monasteries according to their ability and talent.
3. They must not leave the monastery without good reason and permission.
4. Monks and nuns living out of the monastery upon permission shall remain in good conduct being away from all forms of evil acts, and serve as an image to the society.
5. Monks and nuns must remain away from inappropriate activities; and they must keep their bonnet at all times.
6. Monks and nuns assigned in rural and urban churches must demonstrate humbleness in their speech and conduct; and shall serve as an image to the society.
7. They must adhere to the norms of monks, and they must never act as holy and must be calm and humble at all times.
8. Unless chosen from among the monks and exclusively assigned on the basis of their abilities, they must not preach.

Appointment and Service Term of Heads

1. The local parish administrative council (executive committee) shall have one office and the following work units to accomplish its objectives and duties as cited under articles 5 and 6 of this Qale Awadi (Bylaw), and shall establish, as per the law of church article 21, the different work units listed below:
   1. Evangelical Service Unit
   2. Spiritual Education Unit
   3. Clerical Service Unit
   4. Sunday School Unit
   5. Planning and Development Unit
   6. Charitable Activities Unit
   7. Legal Affairs Unit
   8. Ecclesiastical Objects, Property and Heritage Unit
   9. Accounting Unit
   10. Finance Unit
   11. Supervision unit
   12. Construction, Renovation and Maintenance Unit
   13. Statistics Unit
   14. Parish Council Coordination Unit
   15. Monasteries Unit
2. Without prejudice to the type and nature of works at the units mentioned in this Article, Number 1 from (A) to (O), same work leader may be assigned for two or more similar work units at a time; and committees may also be formed as need be.
3. The Parish Council office shall have one secretary and permanent heads of work units.
4. For rural churches, clergies and the faithful with renowned ethics, skills and experience, shall be assigned as secretary and head of unit, upon election at clergies congregation in the presence of the head of the woreda diocese and under chairmanship of the church administrator.
5. For urban monasteries and churches, they shall be assigned by the office of the diocese according to their training and skills.
6. Workers to be assigned on cashier and treasurer positions shall have obligation to present a guarantor with adequate guarantee.
7. At circumstances and times when assignment for the work units mentioned under this article, number 1 from (A) to (O) of this Qale Awadee is not possible, the administrative council shall nominate candidates known with their good conducts, skills and experiences, and they shall be assigned upon approval by the woreda (district) diocese.
8. The service term for volunteers other than the regular paid workers shall be determined as per article 11 number 2 of this Qale Awadee pertaining to the parish administrative council (executive committee); the appointment of the heads of the work units shall be made after the election of the Parish’s administrative council (executive committee) members.

1. The secretary general of the local parish council shall be an ordained; shall be accountable to the administrator of the church and shall lead and supervise secretarial, financial works, and property management; he shall also closely follow up on the performance of different work units of the parish church office.
2. Shall get clergies and the faithful of the parish church registered and provided with membership identity cards.
3. Shall ascertain that all baptized children and adults are registered with their names, names of their parents, name of godfather or godmother; the secretary general must also register marriages conducted in church and issue certificates.
4. Shall follow the collection of revenues, from each member of the parish, in due time.
5. Shall organize the archives, lead the works in due order and maintain all records and registries; he shall function in the place of registrar in the absence of the latter registering the alive and deceased members.
6. Shall, in the absence of a statistics officer, register and keep records of the alive and the dead.
7. Shall prepare a performance and financial statement of the church along with the budget to be allocated for the coming year; and shall, through the administrator, present it to the administrative council.
8. Shall appear at meeting of the administrative council as a secretary and record minutes thereof; and shall get the minutes signed by attending members and sign upon it himself.
9. Shall notify the administrator and conduct assessment on matters pertaining to the spiritual and social services of the church.
10. Supervise and report to the administrator on the attendance of the church clergies and other workers on their duties, and shall take measures accordingly.
11. Shall present quarterly report with statistical data to the parish administrative council about the parish church members and workers; statement of finance and asset; and performances of the different work units.
12. Carry out every church assignment given by the church administrator and the parish administrative council.
13. Shall cover vacant posts where there is shortage human resource, and upon the decision of the administrative council, shall carry out the task of the finance head.

1. Shall prepare the daily schedule and facilitate delivery of education, by the recognized and accredited teachers, to the faithful during holidays and on Sundays
2. Shall gather the faithful at suitable times and facilitate the teaching on Holy Scriptures.
3. Shall follow that the gospel is preached during and after liturgical service.
4. Shall discharge apostolic missions that the gospel is preached in a language which the faithful can understand, and that followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faith are multiplied and are registered at the parish
5. Shall have the responsibility of taking delivery and distribution to the faithful, of newspapers, magazines and other publications prepared by the evangelism and apostolic mission department of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Head Diocese.
6. Supervise and ascertain that books, newspapers, cassettes, CDs, VCDs, DVDs and other print products, which are not reviewed and approved by the council of sages, should not be dispatched to the faithful on the premises and podium of the church.
7. Supervise that books, newspapers, cassettes, CDs, VCDs, DVDs and other print products, which are out of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faith, should not be dispatched to the faithful
8. Shall have the responsibility to supervise individuals, who tend to preach and teach without permission

1. Each parish church, as per its capacity and the direction given by the Holy Synod, shall establish spiritual school around church.
2. The following education shall be provided in such schools:
   1. Reading, writing, calculation and language;
   2. Church Hymn (Tsewatewe zema) and chanting (aquaquam) and liturgy;
   3. Geez Poem (Quine);
   4. Commentaries or Interpretation of scriptures( Theology);
   5. Church History;
   6. Arts, handicraft and other vocational training
3. Shall have prime task of gathering children at the locality for education from alphabets and reading to fundamentals of religion, so that they will be with Christian orientation and conduct
4. Shall prepare schedules for education and follow its content and management as per the rules and regulations enacted by the Holy Synod
5. Shall ascertain that children are nurtured with religious ethics
6. Shall ascertain that the construction and location of education venues (congregation houses) are suitable for education delivery and health as well.
7. Shall prepare a schedule so that the local church permanent teachers prepare in advance, without affecting their congregation, the serving clergies for the praises of the Lord to be performed every Sunday, every month, and during annual events
8. Shall make the necessary efforts for establishment of a library and to ascertain the clergies come to the library to read books and increase their knowledge
9. Shall provide books formulated by a formal curriculum for education
10. Shall supervise students’ attendance in their learning sessions; shall also assess their proficiency
11. Shall coordinate among all stakeholders that a boarding school is established at the local church, or that the churches in the locality jointly establish a central boarding school, and that subsidy budget is allocated to cover costs of teachers’ salary as well as for food and clothing of students
12. Shall notify and supervise that church teachers are obliged to properly serve the posts they assume
13. Shall notify and get it realized that both teachers and students are duty bound to serve church
14. Shall ensure that teachers and students at each local church are registered at the office of the parish council and have identity cards;, and that every student, upon completion of their studies, are given certificates approved by their teachers, the parish administrative council and the office of the diocese.

1. This unit performs church sanctified and sacramental tasks by clergies, coordinating the head priest (Qaesse Gebez), the archdeacon (Liqe diyaqonat) and the chief sage (LiqeTebebt), the facilitator/curator (the Agafari).
2. Shall coordinate and oversee that the chants of St. Yared, night praises, the divine liturgy as well as other sacramental services are conducted duly
3. Shall, in collaboration with the education unit, organize and supervise training of gospel teaching for clergies so that they will be able to protect their soul children from apostasy, heresy and bad habits and deeds
4. Shall supervise and report to the church office and the administrator on matters pertaining to the proper conduct of spiritual services assigned to teachers, priests, singers, deacons, and other servants of the church in their respective work units; and shall act accordingly
5. Shall ascertain the access of different spiritual services by the faithful on the basis of equality and fairness.
6. Shall notify the office and the administrator on matters pertaining to spiritual services, the mission and roles of clergies within the church in particular, and in the local parish in general, and act as necessary.
7. Shall endeavor that clergies know that they have the duty and obligation of preaching, baptizing, serving the Divine Liturgy and performing ceremony of the Holy Communion, accepting confession and give benediction, generally enabling the faithful to be firm with their faith and be grown and matured with good conduct; and shall support the clergies to be capable for such missions
8. Shall present, for deaconship ordination, a person acknowledged for his good conduct and spiritual attitude by clergies and the faithful, who has also learned portion of church lessons orally, recited Psalms, and who has been literate over the five pillars of mystery.
9. Shall present, for priestly ordination, a deacon who has studied liturgy, and who has mastered night praises/hymns (Sa-ata), morning prayer (kidan), litany; and who is literate over poem (Qiene) composition, and the seven sacraments of the church; and who can interpret and teach holy scriptures; and who is acknowledged by clergies and the faithful of the parish church for his good conduct and spiritual life.
10. Shall prepare ceremonial schedules during major holidays and present the same to the administrative council (executive committee); implement the ceremony accordingly.
11. Shall advise and also monitor that workers of the church should not be present at inappropriate places
12. Strictly monitor those clergies and the faithful who wander in streets and villages by lilting lights and setting umbrellas, against the order of the church, simply in names of Sunday and commemorative congregation
13. Oversee and teach the faithful to be aware of those people whose deeds and ordination not known and approved by the church, but who claim and act like a priest or a monk to be soul father of the faithful, and thereby create trouble against church services
14. Strictly monitor that they, who claim to be deacons, or priests, or monks, but whose ordination is not officially known, should never conduct liturgy and sacramental services on proxy
15. Shall give directions to spiritual fathers to have the faithful at churches with their children on Sunday services and church festivals to learn the faith and order of the church.
16. Shall notify the clergies and deacons, who are not attending night praises/hymns (Sa-atat) morning prayer (Kidan), should not perform divine liturgy; and shall monitor this
17. Shall make godfathers and godmothers duly aware that they, according to the book of baptism and their promises made thereof, are responsible to teach their godchildren about the order and faith of the church

Pursuant to the rules and regulations enacted by the virtue of the Holy Synod for the youth of Sunday Schools, the parish Sunday school unit shall perform the functions mentioned here below:

1. Shall establish and organize Sunday School at the local parish church; and the local parish children and young people who are of between four and 35 ages shall be members of Sunday School; deacons shall participate in learning and/or teaching, while clergies and teachers in teaching at the Sunday School.
2. Shall follow that lesson is given as per the curriculum formulated at the institution level to children and youth depending on the category of their ages.
3. Shall facilitate further training for those who have learned at the Sunday School and attained high level of achievement and competence, and upon permission by superior body, shall assign them to teach; shall monitor that, those who do have permission, should not teach thereof
4. Shall formulate, at Sundays, during major holidays and occasions, regular and weekly schedule that lessons are provided on law and order of church, religious topics, liturgy hymns, and holy scriptures
5. In consultation with and order from the administration, shall closely follow, teach, and advise that children and young people become literate over and respect law and order of church, and that they remain firm with the faith of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
6. Shall prepare daily and weekly schedules that they study spiritual songs and chants that convey lessons, and that are reviewed by the council of sages, and approved by the relevant body
7. Shall establish a library equipped with educational materials so that the youth can develop their spiritual knowledge.
8. Upon permission and approval by the office of the parish administrative council, shall execute and follow the implementation of drama or other forms of shows made during festivals or other occasions
9. Every revenue to be collected by Sunday School students for purpose of spiritual services shall be the income of the local parish treasury unit; and the Sunday School Unit shall present detail plans for necessary expenses to the parish administrative council, and upon approval, it shall implement the plan
10. Shall submit every revenue to be collected, with model 30 (the money) and model 19 (the property), to the office of the local parish council; and shall get both the money and the property audited by the local parish council
11. Members of the Sunday School leadership shall be young people above the age of 18, who are elected by the assembly of Sunday School members at election facilitated by the parish council; and their term shall be 3 years; and only they are needed by the students of the Sunday School, they can serve second term of 3 years
12. Shall notify and follow that Christian obligations are fulfilled as clergies advise their soul children to send their children to be registered and pursue spiritual knowledge at Sunday School
13. Facilitate and ascertain that Sunday school students wear uniforms as per the faith and order of our church during holiday celebrations
14. Shall strictly follow and monitor that over night program will never be implemented, unless permitted and authorized by letter of parish council or another superior body.
15. In collaboration with units of evangelical service and spiritual school, shall facilitate the delivery of appropriate and quality education to Sunday School students by qualified teachers who got permission from the diocese

1. By devising short, medium, and long-term plans, shall look for and report to the parish council ways of soliciting support and contributions of money, material, knowledge and labor from the faithful and other organizations, for the execution of different action plans
2. Shall identify and organize appropriate areas that serve as sources of income for the local church; shall endeavor for the institution of handicrafts for incomes of ecclesiastical items, books, costumes/vestments and other church services
3. Shall endeavor for the coordination and collaboration among clergies, the faithful and Sunday School students of the local church that their money, knowledge, material, and labor be mobilized for the development and benefit of the church.
4. Shall, in coordination with pertinent parties, facilitate opportunities of training for clergies that they, as per their respective interests, utilize spare times to generate income and support themselves.
5. The revenue from the development will be collected with church invoice and deposited in a bank account opened by the name of the church.
6. Shall conduct study on ways of developing the surrounding places of the church, and shall report to the parish council for implementation
7. Shall follow up and monitor that plots of the church should, by any means, not be transferred to third party, without authorization by superior body
8. Shall present a quarterly performance report to the parish council

1. This unit shall coordinate and collaborate with traditional associations/institutions such as Senbeties and Edirs as well as different charity organizations to support orphans, helpless elders, and the needy at the local church
2. Shall coordinate with governmental and non -governmental organizations that the needy at the parish are supported in an organized manner
3. Shall facilitate conditions by collaborating with the concerned bodies that those less fortunate but capable people could get revenue on self owned cooperative.
4. Shall prepare educational schedule that a chosen priest, who has the knowledge and good conduct, teaches and advises them
5. Shall work that the needy are gathered at a certain location that they attend the mass prayer and gospel preaching session, and still they get required support, and lest they disturb the services at liturgy and gospel preaching during Sundays, monthly or annual holiday events
6. Shall assess ways and propose the same to the parish council (executive committee) that orphans at the local parish church can get temporary and sustainable support; and shall follow its implementation
7. Shall facilitate conditions and coordinate activities of philanthropists and charity organizations that the needy, helpless elders, and widows can get shelter and food around the church, and their health is also being cared

1. Shall disclose and ensure that heads of the parish council, clergies and the faithful in general know the decrees, rules and regulations enacted by the Holy Synod, the decisions and directives made by the patriarch general parish council
2. Shall do all the possible to amicably settle, without litigation, disagreements that may arise between clergies and the faithful of the parish church, through dialogue, forgiveness and reconciliation.
3. When a complaint is concerning the laws of the church, it shall, without prejudice to the rights of the plaintiff and the defendant and with due consideration of evidences of both sides, submit recommendation to the parish administrative council as per Article 63 of this Ecclesiastical Constitution (Qale Awadee
4. On the occasion of holiday celebrations, as the per the directions given by the parish administrative council, and in collaboration with the relevant governmental and public bodies, shall ensure smooth conduct of celebrations
5. Shall coordinate with units of evangelical service and Sunday School to prevent the sale on the church premises of items that are not beneficial for the faithful and that are not use ful for church services; shall also keep the order that actions that are against the church should not be implemented thereof
6. Shall follow up every spiritual and secular legal issues; and shall provide consultation services to the church administration
7. Shall represent the church at any legal proceeding to speak on its behalf

1. Shall ensure the protection and preservation of the Ark of covenant, ecclesiastical objects, and properties of the church, by duly registering them through a chosen and assigned clergy for the same purpose
2. Shall identify and register in their categories of consumable items and other fixed assets that belong to the parish council
3. Shall deliver dispatched items and properties by invoice; and shall monitor that the dispatched goods are duly used; and upon return, shall check and receive the same
4. Shall carry out all the necessary for the internal services of the church.
5. Shall take all the necessary precautionary measures to protect damages on historical heritages of church; and shall duly display them at designated and accessible place to visitors and historians
6. Shall prevent manuscripts made of animal skin (Brana books), icons, costumes, as well as crosses of gold, silver, bronze and other ecclesiastical objects from damages due to insects, rust, liquid, fire and other hazardous factors; accordingly,
   1. Shall facilitate the preparation of proper warehouse for heritages conservation and preservation
   2. Shall assign personnel in charge of protection and guides for visitors;
   3. Shall have an obligation of conducting inventories by end of budget year and upon reshuffle of heads of heritages, and also present and explain the findings to the level of the patriarchate
   4. Shall facilitate situations, as per directions by the head diocese for implementation and fares, to have revenues from domestic and foreign visitors
   5. Shall put, by invoice, the revenues obtained from visitors together with the main account of the church
7. Shall ensure that the clergy to be assigned as a head of property and historical heritages at the parish church should be free of mischief record or free of mischief or other criminal records; and should have guarantor
8. Shall ensure aged costumes, ecclesiastical objects, books cease to be used, and that they are separately kept with due maintenance and renovation
9. A) During a request for borrowing of church heritages for a special purpose, the unit shall, upon permission and authorization of the diocese administrative council chaired by the archbishop, and with notification to the patriarchate, give and take the delivery of the items to be borrowed
   A) Shall submit notifications to concerned authorities until the borrowed items be restored to its place
10. Shall ensure the annual inventory and registration as well as due preservation and conservation of all properties of the church; shall present detail report on existing and non-existent ones to the office of the parish administrative council
11. Shall ensure that those ancient and indigenous plants on the premises of the church are duly preserved and conserved

1. Shall prepare financial accounts, record the income and expense
2. Shall ensure and follow that the revenue is collected with official invoice as per the rule of accounting, and the expense is made by formal expense approval
3. Shall close accounts by end of every month and prepare and present to the office, the monthly revenue, expense and the balance
4. Shall monitor and prevent that any expense does not exceed the allowed budget limit
5. Shall make sure the availability of funds at time budget allocation
6. Shall assess, two years ahead of the budget year, the amount at the bank and in deposit box, and the monthly revenue, and prepare and present to the local parish administrative council, the budget of the following year.
7. Shall present revenue and expense documents for auditing, upon the order for annual or monthly audit
8. Shall maintain financial documents and cheques with due care
9. Shall ensure that revenue and expense documents (models) are operated only by and upon the uniform invoice prepared with the supervision by the office of head diocese of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and by the responsibility of the office of archbishop diocese

1. The treasury shall receive all revenues of the parish church upon the legitimate invoice cited under Article 56 Number 4 of the Ecclesiastical Constitution (Qale Awadee).
2. Shall daily deposit the collected amount into the bank account of the church; and when it is out of bank office hours or at a time banks are closed, the money shall be kept in box temporarily, upon consultation and signature with the concerned bodies, and the treasure house shall be sealed thereof
3. Shall deposit the fund at a location determined by the parish administrative council in case when no bank is available in the area.
4. Shall decide on the amount of petty cash, depending on the situation of the time and the area, as per the direction to be given by the parish administrative council
5. Shall make any payment by voucher only upon legitimate orders
6. Shall register revenue and expense in a separate document; shall duly register, checking against documents at the finance unit, the total amount of revenue, expense and the balance by end of every month
7. Shall not make withdrawal of any amount approved by the local parish administrative council, unless written order is made by the administrator; however, shall withdraw a fixed or known amount upon authorization by the deputy chairperson in the absence of the administrator

1. Shall monitor the income and expense on daily, weekly, and monthly basis and ensure that the fund is duly deposited in bank
2. Shall examine that revenue and expense documents are legal
3. Shall supervise the status of fixed and consumable items at the warehouse, by comparing them against registry of the parish council, identifying them in due category depending on their depreciation, defects and deficits; shall conduct inventory of the registered and non-registered ones
4. Shall present a quarterly report to the parish administrative council on the financial performance and property management thereof
5. Shall present, in case of financial and property deficit, a report signed by the person responsible for the deficit, to the office of the parish administrative council
6. Shall supervise that the contributions made by clergies and the faithful registered at the parish church, is duly paid, and that other revenues of the church are duly collected as per the Ecclesiastical Constitution
7. Shall supervise that the expenses for salary and petty cash do not exceed the annual and monthly budget approved by the parish church
8. Shall supervise the timely and proper implementation of tasks within the different work units of the parish church; and shall call meeting for concerned personnel or make rounds to the units as necessary to give the necessary instruction on accounting and related issues
9. Shall oversee the way the boxes for collection of vows and alms are situated at the parish church; and shall ensure that they are placed in observable and reliable manner; shall also strictly monitor that those collection boxes, which are not registered and authorized by the office of the parish administration, should never be placed on the premises of the church
10. Shall make sure that collection boxes, before placed in use, are sealed in the presence and with the signatures of members elected by the executive committee, the administrator, the accountant and supervisor; ensure that opening of the boxes is also carried out in the same manner
11. Shall ensure that all other revenues and contributions collected at the podium of the church or other venues with alms boxes, umbrellas, mats and other means are duly registered with the church invoice and submitted to the church
12. Shall make the necessary effort to fix the values and duly submission of gifts given in kind to the church such as animals, silver, gold and other items
13. In collaboration with the property unit, shall conduct annual inventory and registry of the church’s property, and present the findings, including the added and the deficits to the office of the parish council administrative council
14. Shall ensure the delivery to the appropriate unit, with invoice, of properties dispatched by the property unit, and monitor the proper utilization and care of the same; shall ensure the taking delivery by the property unit, after the proper examination

1. This unit shall prepare plans and presents to the parish administrative council, for construction works of the church, Bethlehem, schools, health institutions, income generating houses, meeting halls, Sunday School learning rooms, guest and clergy houses, surrounding walls of church and other needed projects, and upon approval as per Article 12 Number 17 of the Ecclesiastical Constitution, shall collaborate with the would-be construction committee to the realization of the proposed projects
2. Construction, maintenance, and renovation works of church shall be determined by order and instruction of the Holy Synod
3. When a construction committee is established, upon receiving direction and order from the office of the church administration, the unit shall carry out the necessary promotion and instruction that the clergies and the faithful consider and give due attention to the matter
4. Shall study ways of soliciting financial and material support for the construction of the church building, and submit the same to the parish administrative council; and upon approval, shall get the collection of the support by the construction committee to be established
5. Shall receive upon invoice from the office of the local church parish administrative council, and distribute as needed to the construction committee, those finance and material receipts, documents, records and all the necessary stationeries required for the construction of the church building
6. Shall ensure that all the concerned parties receive the letter issued by the office of the local parish council seeking support and cooperation from donor individuals and organizations for construction works
7. Shall attend the meetings of the construction main committee and report the major outcomes to the local church parish administrative council.
8. Shall ensure that the financial contribution by the faithful of the locality and the donation from different charity organizations for the construction purpose are duly deposited in bank account of the church; and shall oversee that withdrawal is made as per Article 12 Number 9 of the Ecclesiastical Constitution
9. Shall follow and ensure that the property for the purpose of the construction as well as the revenue, the expense and the balance are audited, upon completion of the project, by the superior body, and that it is transferred to treasury and property unit of the church
10. Shall consult professionals to have a better procedure for graveyard (cemetery) site on the premises of the church; and shall present its plans in this regard to the administrative council, and upon decision and approval by the superior body, implement the same to address the ever growing problem due to inappropriate construction of cemeteries thereof
11. When a site of cemeteries is needed for another purpose, the unit shall prepare and duly maintain another site where the remains of bodies with seven and more years are properly gathered and maintained thereof
12. Shall ensure that the church’s compound and the sites designated for graveyards are kept clean; shall get different trees and flower species are planted
13. Shall ensure that design of church building is carried out as per tradition and order of church; no design shall be implemented unless it is reviewed, authorized and approved by the diocese administrative council presided over by the archbishop

1. Shall prepare all the permanent records of the resident faithful of the parish church including:-
   1. Registry of birth and baptism
   2. Registry of the alive and registry of the deceased, and other necessary registries
2. Shall, in consultation with professionals and due assessment, register the full name and address, the building type and construction year, the shape and style, the height and width of the local church
3. Shall register number of clergies, priests, teachers, preachers, deacons, choirs and different workers of the local church; shall also keep record of the number of the faithful in due category of family, age, gender, education status
4. Shall, if there is a teacher of church education, register his name the number of his students and the type of education; and shall also register the number of Sunday School students and the type of their education
5. Shall register children at time of baptism on their 40th and 80th day, in birth and baptismal registry and also on the record of the alive
6. Shall register deceased followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in the registry of the deceased
7. Shall duly and properly register new residents in the local church, deceased members, new births and those who have just moved to the local church as residents from other places for various reasons, and those who have left the locality, and submit the same to the office of the parish administrative council by the end of the year
8. Shall register financial and human resources of the local parish annually, and present it with table or chart in comparison with that of the previous year
9. Shall meet with all the concerned bodies and gather statistical data required for the parish
10. Shall, in consultation with the elected members of the parish council coordinate activities that the faithful at the parish church pay their membership contribution in due time, thereby the goal of parish council is attained
11. Shall facilitate conditions and coordinate among members of the parish council to increase the revenues of the church

Formation and Structure of Woreda Parish Council

1. Formation
   1. Churches under the Woreda (District) diocese shall establish the Woreda parish council through their representatives. The sub-diocese (Woreda) church administrator shall be the chairperson. Led by their respective church administrators, the representatives shall include: one priest, one faithful, and one young person chosen from each church’s parish council. The Woreda church secretary and heads of different sections shall be members. The Woreda parish council shall meet once a year.
   2. The Woreda parish administrative council (executive committee) shall convene once a month, together with the Woreda diocese administrative council, toward achieving the objectives of the Woreda Parish Council and fulfilling its responsibilities and functions.
   3. Office of the Woreda Parish Administrative Council (Office of the Woreda Diocese).
   4. Units of the Woreda Parish Council (units of the Woreda Diocese).

1. The Woreda Diocese Manager, or in his absence a representative clergy delegated by the archbishopric diocese — Chairperson of the council.
2. Amongst representatives of the clergies and the faithful mentioned under sub-articles 3, 4, and 5 of this article, an eligible clergy or eligible faithful aged between 30 and 60 elected by this council — Deputy Chairperson of the council.
3. Administrators of churches within the Woreda — Members of the council.
4. Representative clergies from the churches within the Woreda — Members of the council.
5. Representatives of the faithful from the churches within the Woreda — Members of the council.
6. Sunday school youth elected as representatives from the churches within the Woreda — Members of the council.
7. The Woreda diocese secretary, or in his absence a clergy elected as representative by the archbishopric diocese — Member and secretary of the council.

The Woreda parish council, in addition to executing the objectives and functions mentioned under Chapter Two, Articles 5 and 6, shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Based on the agenda prepared and presented by the Woreda parish administrative council, hear and decide on the status, job performance, and property and financial statement of the Woreda parish members and workers.
2. Examine the Woreda parish council work plans and different service schedules and forward, if it agrees, the same with remarks to the office of the archbishopric parish council.
3. Determine the financial amount needed for the work plan and other services approved by higher parish council, and supervise its collection and utilization.
4. Have the finance and property of the Woreda parish council inspected by an auditor.
5. Elect a minimum of four and a maximum of eight members for the Woreda parish administrative council.
6. The Woreda parish council shall be accountable to the office of the archbishop diocese.

1. The Woreda diocese administrator, or in his absence a representative clergy assigned by the archbishopric diocese — Chairperson.
2. Amongst representatives of the clergies and the faithful mentioned under sub-articles 3, 4, and 5 of this article, an eligible clergy or eligible faithful aged between 30 and 60 elected by this council — Deputy Chairperson.
3. Two to four representative clergies of the local church parish council — Members of the council.
4. Along with a young representative, a minimum of two and maximum four representatives of the faithful from the local church parish council — Members of the council.
5. The Woreda diocese secretary, or in his absence a representative clergy delegated by the archbishopric diocese — Member and secretary of the council.

The Woreda parish administrative council (executive committee), in addition to the objectives and functions mentioned under Chapter Two, Articles 5 and 6 of the Ecclesiastical Constitution, shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Ensure and supervise that parish councils of the local churches within the Woreda achieve their institutional objectives and execute their functions.
2. Examine and report to the office of the diocese for approval of the election result for members of the local parish council, sent with the signed minute of the electoral committee and a letter from the administrator of the church.
3. Examine different issues and statements from local church parish councils, and act accordingly.
4. Monitor and ensure that the 20% contribution from each of the local churches is collected and submitted to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church for general administration and different services.
5. Prepare and present to the council joint plans and service programs of the local parish for common benefits of churches in the Woreda.
6. Collect, upon official invoice through the Woreda diocese, the contributions determined for each local church for implementation of activities under the approved joint plan and other services.
7. Work in collaboration with all concerned bodies for realization of the plan; implement and ensure implementation of directives and orders passed down from superiors.
8. Present report on previous performance, future plan, budget allocation, and status of members and workers of the local parish to the Woreda parish council; and upon appraisal and consensus, refer the same to the diocese for approval.
9. Review the plans of local parish councils, and submit the same, through the Woreda chief priest, to the diocese for approval.
10. Other than the Woreda head priest or a representative, elect one priest, one faithful, and one young person from among members of the local parish administrative council for representatives at the diocese parish administrative council.
11. Act as per Article 11 Number 4 of the Ecclesiastical Constitution to replace members of the Woreda parish administrative council whenever their number gets below five as a result of election to the diocese parish administrative council.
12. The Woreda parish administrative council shall be accountable to the Woreda parish council.
13. The service term for the elected members shall be as per Article 11 Number 2 of the Ecclesiastical Constitution.

1. The office is a higher administrative and management body for monasteries, churches, rural churches, and parish councils at different levels within the Woreda.
2. There shall be a Woreda diocese manager accountable to the diocese archbishop.
3. It shall have one administrative council and different work units to execute the provisions of the Ecclesiastical Constitution (Qale Awadee) and other directives and regulations given by the diocese.
4. The establishment of the different work units of the local church parish council office mentioned under Article 16 (A–O) shall be implemented by the office of the Woreda Diocese. The details mentioned under Articles 17–30 shall apply here as well, with due consideration of the situation of the Woreda Diocese.

The Woreda Diocese Manager, in addition to executing the objectives and functions mentioned under Chapter Two, Articles 5 and 6, shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Serve as chairperson and chief executive of the Woreda parish council and the parish administrative council; convene meetings and execute decisions recorded in minutes; conduct correspondence, property and finance management, and related activities; and generally be head and chief of the Woreda parish administrative council.
2. Organize and strengthen the churches within the Woreda parish under the parish administrative council as per this bylaw.
3. Serve as chief coordinator for implementation of local church parish council elections; facilitate delivery of instruction to local clergies and the faithful ahead of elections to strengthen the bylaw.
4. Coordinate diocese workers and others within the Woreda so that they participate in the local church parish administrative council and different service units without payment.
5. Upon direction from the archbishopric diocese, establish and organize different work units required for the Woreda diocese.
6. In consultation with the office of the archbishopric diocese, provide and distribute in due time income and expense invoices and finance/property modules needed for parish church use.
7. Supervise implementation of works of all parish administration and other units as per the bylaw.
8. Present to the archbishopric diocese office for approval election of local church parish administrative council members and other heads within the Woreda parish council.
9. Present plans of all local churches to the Woreda parish administrative council; upon examination present to the office of the archbishopric diocese for approval; and upon approval ensure implementation.
10. Prepare regular schedules to visit parishes to preach and promote gospel preaching; motivate and encourage the faithful towards organization and strengthening of parish council.
11. Follow up and ensure that contributions of local churches are duly collected and timely submitted to the diocese.
12. Register, in addition to data from local churches, clergies, teachers, preachers and the faithful with their families; submit in due time to the archbishopric diocese office statistical data, budget year performance and financial report of the Woreda.
13. Along with the appointed accountant, operate the bank account of the Woreda.

1. Formation
   1. One clergy, one faithful, one young person from Sunday school, and the manager of the Woreda diocese (a delegation of four members) elected by the Woreda parish administrative councils (executive committees) within the archbishop diocese, together with the archbishop diocese manager and the secretary general, and heads of work units, shall establish the archbishopric parish council presided over by the archbishop.
   2. The archbishopric parish council shall convene twice a year as needed.
   3. The archbishop diocese parish council shall elect an administrative council (executive committee) that meets once every three months and implements its functions and objectives.
2. Structure

   Under the Archbishop Diocese:

   1. One parish council of the diocese, with the diocese archbishop as chairperson.
   2. The diocese parish administrative council (executive committee) and the archbishop diocese administrative council.
   3. The office of the diocese parish administrative council (the diocese office).
   4. Work units organized at the local parish council as per Article 51 Number 4 of the law of church and Article 16 Number 1 of this bylaw shall be the work units of the diocese; Articles 17–30 shall apply depending on the situation of the diocese.

1. The diocese archbishop — Chairperson of the council.
2. The diocese manager, in the absence of the diocese archbishop — Chairperson of the council.
3. Secretary general of the diocese office and department heads — Members of the council.
4. Managers of Woreda dioceses — Members of the council.
5. Representative clergies of Woreda parish councils under the archbishop diocese — Members of the assembly.
6. Representatives of the faithful of Woreda parish councils under the diocese office — Members of the assembly.
7. Representatives of Sunday School students of the Woreda parish councils within the diocese — Members of the council.
8. The diocese manager, in the presidency of the diocese archbishop — Member and secretary of the council.
9. The diocese secretary general, in the presidency of the diocese manager — Member and secretary of the council.

Pursuant to the law of church Article 52, the Archbishop’s Diocese Parish Council, in addition to executing the objectives and functions mentioned under Articles 5 and 6 of this bylaw, shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Without prejudice to this bylaw and to every order given by the Holy Synod, review the internal bylaw prepared for the diocese parish council, work directives, and different work plans from the administrative council, and present the same with a decision proposal to the archbishop.
2. Examine reports on previous performances, future plans, the condition of clergies and faithful, and property/financial statements of local churches, Woreda, and the diocese in general prepared by the diocese parish administrative council (executive committee), and pass decisions on each item.
3. Establish and expand spiritual schools, gospel preaching, parish councils, development, charity, and social services within the diocese.
4. Determine the budget needed for implementation of plans and services at diocese level; ensure collection and utilization.
5. Monitor that the 20% contribution from each local church is collected and submitted duly for general administration and services of the church.
6. Elect, upon majority vote, a minimum of four and maximum of eight members from clergies, Sunday School youth and the faithful for the administrative council as mentioned in Article 41.
7. The diocese parish council shall be accountable to the office of the archbishopric diocese.

1. The diocese manager — Chairperson of the council.
2. Amongst representatives of clergies and faithful mentioned under numbers 3 and 4 of this article, an eligible priest or eligible follower aged between 30 and 60 elected by this council — Deputy Chairperson of the council.
3. A minimum of two and a maximum of four clergies elected by the diocese parish council — Members of the council.
4. A minimum of two and a maximum of four faithful, along with one representative from the youth elected by the diocese parish council — Members of the council.
5. The diocese secretary general — Member and secretary of the council.

The Archbishop Diocese parish administrative council (executive committee), in addition to executing the objectives and functions mentioned under Articles 5 and 6 of this bylaw, shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Ensure implementation of laws enacted by the Holy Synod, decisions of the patriarchate general parish council, and directives given by the diocese.
2. Formulate plans for growth of spiritual and secular education, gospel preaching, development, charity, and prosperity/services of the diocese; review plans from every Woreda and submit for approval; ensure implementation upon approval.
3. Follow up implementation of plans approved by the general parish council.
4. Monitor and ascertain that funds allotted for plans are duly utilized.
5. Ensure that the 20% contribution from each local church and income of the diocese are paid according to shares:
   1. To the patriarchate general parish council — 35%
   2. To the diocese — 30%
   3. To the Woreda diocese offices within the archbishopric diocese — 30%
   4. For expansion of model schools within the diocese — 5%
6. Ensure that the Addis Ababa diocese pays 20% of the contribution collected from local churches and from any of its revenue as follows:
   1. To the patriarchate general parish council — 65%
   2. To the diocese — 35%
7. In collaboration with relevant organizations and experts, carry out charitable and development activities to expand services of the diocese.
8. Assess annual budget allocations presented from local churches and present to the archbishopric diocese office with recommendations; return upon approval.
9. Ensure that all financial contributions are collected in due time and managed properly.
10. Follow up administration, property and financial management of the diocese; ensure inspection by supervisor/auditor.
11. Consistently ensure parish councils at different levels present complete reports on human resources, performances, future plans, properties, incomes and expenses.
12. Prepare and present agenda and work plans for the assembly of the council.
13. Notify the presidency of the general council (the archbishop) for assembly of the administrative council to be convened.
14. Other than the diocese manager or representative, elect and send: one priest, one faithful, and one young person from members of local parish administrative councils, plus heads of evangelical service and parish council section of the diocese (total five) to attend patriarchate general parish council meetings.
15. Replace members missing due to election to the patriarchate general parish administrative council whenever the number gets below five, as per Article 11 Number 4.
16. Term of service for elected members shall be as per Chapter Three, Article 11 Number 2.
17. The diocese parish administrative council shall be accountable to the archbishopric diocese general parish council.

Pursuant to Article 51 Number 6 of the law of church, the bishopric diocese office is accountable to the patriarchate head office.

1. The archbishopric diocese office is a higher administrative body for monasteries, churches, rural churches and parish councils at different levels within the diocese area.
2. As per Article 51 Number 2 of church law, each diocese office shall be headed by an archbishop, or by a bishop, or by episcopes.
3. The diocese office shall have one administrative council and different units mentioned under Article 51 Number 4 of church law and Article 16 Number 1 of this bylaw, to execute the provisions cited under Article 52 of the church law and the objectives/functions of this bylaw and directives given by superiors.
4. The Addis Ababa diocese shall be administered by the provisions of this bylaw and the rules and directives of the Holy Synod.

In addition to the provisions mentioned under Article 37 and 53 of church law, he shall have the following powers and functions:

1. The archbishop is accountable to the Holy Synod. He is the superior authority of the diocese office and general diocese administration; and chairperson of the general parish council.
2. As spiritual father of the church in the diocese, provide spiritual advice and blessings to heads of parish councils; educate and console clergies, faithful, and Sunday School youth.
3. Remain vigilant that the earliest and historic order of the apostolic Holy Church is maintained and followers are defended from invading doctrines.
4. Provide priesthood and deaconship titles upon oral and written exams by head of education, head priest, and other assigned clergies, to qualified servers as per spiritual rule (Fetih Menfesawi) and Article 20 Numbers 8 and 9; issue certificates.
5. Not give ordination titles to those without credentials from their churches or without adequate church education.
6. Facilitate establishment of needed work units and assignment of heads upon assessment by the diocese administrative council; notify the Head Diocese.
7. Authorize establishment of new churches; place foundation stone; bless and venerate the house for sacraments.
8. Give directives and corrections to administrators and workers; pass verdict for serious misconduct upon examination by the diocese administrative council.
9. Along with the diocese administrative council, review legal issues of first instance and appeals; refer to Head Diocese or Holy Synod where applicable.
10. Along with the diocese manager, authorize the bank account of the diocese as per Article 53 Number 9 of church law.
11. The archbishop is the chairperson of the diocese administrative council.

1. The manager shall be chief executive of the archbishopric diocese office and the diocese, and chairperson of the diocese parish administrative council.
2. The manager shall be in charge of the diocese administrative council in the absence of the archbishop.
3. Ensure directives of the Holy Synod and decisions of higher councils are delivered to Woreda offices, churches, and parish councils; follow up implementation.
4. Supervise collection and submission of payment contributions from all local churches as per Article 42 Number 5.
5. Supervise expenses in accordance with diocese budget and accounting/property management as per Articles 25–27.
6. Print and distribute income/expense invoices and modules needed by local parish councils; follow up timely delivery.
7. Not hire, promote, transfer, give salary increment, or fire workers without authorization of the archbishop and approval of the administrative council; provide guidance to administrators and workers.
8. Ensure registry of clergies, teachers, preachers, and faithful; submit statistical data and annual performance/financial report to the administrative council.
9. Jointly with the archbishop, authorize the bank account of the diocese.
10. The manager shall be accountable to the diocese archbishop.

1. Formation
   1. Managers of every diocese in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, clergies, the faithful and youth elected as representatives of archbishopric parish administrative councils, along with members of the Holy Synod and heads of departments/organizations of the head diocese, shall establish the patriarchate general parish council.
   2. The patriarchate general parish council shall meet once a year; this is the general meeting of the EOTC.
   3. The patriarchate general parish council shall elect an administrative council (executive committee) that meets as needed and implements its powers and functions.
2. Structure
   1. One patriarchate general parish council presided over by the patriarch (General Assembly of the church).
   2. One administrative council (executive committee) presided over by the head diocese general manager and head diocese administrative council.
   3. General parish administrative office (the head diocese office).
   4. Work units of the general parish administration, departments and other units of the head diocese.

1. The patriarch — Chairperson of the council.
2. The general manager — Deputy Chairperson of the council.
3. Archbishops assigned to all archdioceses and top positions of the church — Members.
4. Deputy manager of the head diocese — Member and secretary of the council.
5. The patriarchate general parish administrative council (executive committee) — Members.
6. Heads of departments, commissions, and organizations under the patriarchate office — Members.
7. Managers of the archbishopric dioceses — Members.
8. Representative clergies from archbishopric diocese parish administrative councils — Members.
9. Representatives of the faithful from archbishopric diocese parish administrative councils — Members.
10. Youth representatives of Sunday School from archbishopric diocese parish administrative councils — Members.
11. Heads of evangelical service and parish council section — Members.
12. Representatives of the EOTC in foreign countries — Members.

The patriarchate general parish council, in addition to executing the objectives and functions cited under Articles 5 and 6 of this bylaw, shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Upon hearing statements and future plans of parish councils, discuss agenda items in detail and give recommendations to the Holy Synod.
2. Examine big issues of archdiocese administration presented through the general parish administrative council (executive committee).
3. Provide proposals to establish/organize model schools, higher spiritual schools, training institutions for clergies, gospel preachers, Sunday School teachers, and development/charity organizations.
4. Elect a minimum of four and maximum of eight members of the general parish administrative council (executive committee) as mentioned in Article 49.
5. Term of service for elected members shall be as per Chapter Three, Article 11 Number 2.
6. The patriarchate general parish council shall be accountable to the Holy Synod.

1. General manager of the head diocese — Chairperson.
2. Deputy manager of the head diocese — First Deputy Chairperson.
3. Amongst representatives of the clergies and faithful cited under numbers 4 and 5 of this article, an eligible clergy or eligible faithful aged between 30 and 60 elected by this council — Second Deputy Chairperson.
4. A minimum of two and maximum four representative clergies elected by the general parish council — Members.
5. A minimum of two and maximum four faithful, with one young representative elected by the general council — Members.
6. Chief of the head diocese office parish council department — Member.
7. Secretary general of the head diocese office parish council department — Secretary.

The patriarchate general parish administrative council (executive committee), in addition to executing and supervising implementation of the objectives and functions cited under Articles 5 and 6, shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Ensure timely delivery of regulations/directives given by the Holy Synod and decisions of the general parish council to all archdioceses and concerned bodies.
2. Follow up proper management of finance allocated for spiritual and social activities and big national plans.
3. Monitor and ensure that contributions from local churches are collected and submitted for general administration and services.
4. Monitor financial and property management as per Articles 25–27; ensure inspection by an auditor.
5. Assess and present to the general council internal bylaws/directives and provisions needing amendment.
6. Prepare plans/programs for expansion of gospel preaching, spiritual schooling, development, charity, and strengthening wealth/services; submit for approval and ensure implementation.
7. Prepare general report, agenda topics, and schedule for the assembly of the patriarchate general parish council.
8. The parish administrative council (executive committee) shall be accountable to the patriarchate general parish council.
9. The assembly of the patriarchate general parish council shall be held every year in the month of October.

As per Article 1 of church law:

1. The office of the patriarchate head diocese is the central administration and head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo churches at home and overseas, archbishopric dioceses, monasteries, and parish councils worldwide; it is the top management and highest authority over diocese and spiritual services.
2. Laws/regulations of the Holy Synod, decisions/directives of the permanent Synod, and all provisions of this bylaw shall be implemented through the office and its departments/units.
3. Shall have one administrative council that receives and presides over issues pertaining to administration and spiritual justice from every diocese.

In addition to the provisions under Article 32 of church law, the patriarch shall have the following powers and functions:

1. His Holiness the Patriarch—head of the archbishops of EOTC, archbishop of Axum, and Echegie (the See) of St. Tekle Haimanot—is the spiritual father and highest patron of the EOTC worldwide; authorized for unity and administration; presides over the Holy Synod and the patriarchate general parish council.
2. Give directives, spiritual education, and benediction to heads of parish councils; clergies; and the faithful.
3. Ensure cases of first instance and/or appeals are decided by the head diocese, permanent Synod, or Holy Synod council.
4. Have the right and responsibility to call emergency meetings of the Holy Synod and, if necessary, the patriarchate general parish council in urgent situations affecting faith or important church issues.
5. Endeavor to expand and strengthen spiritual and social relationships among sister Oriental Orthodox churches.

In addition to provisions under Article 42 Number 7 and Article 44 of church law, the general manager shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Accountable to the Holy Synod and His Holiness the Patriarch; responsible for management of finance and property; chief administrator of the head diocese.
2. Preside over the patriarchate general parish council as deputy chairperson and the head diocese administrative council as chairperson.
3. Issue directives to departments/organizations to realize objectives/functions; monitor fulfillment by unit heads.
4. Ensure cases of first instance/appeals are decided by the head diocese administrative council; submit beyond-mandate cases to permanent Synod or Holy Synod.
5. Supervise due collection and submission of payment contributions from all local churches.
6. Supervise expenses according to allocated budget and financial/property management per Articles 25–27.
7. With joint signatures with secretary general of the Holy Synod, authorize finance/property of the church budget per church law; ensure inspection by certified auditor annually or as needed.
8. Issue approval letters to banks for representatives who authorize diocese bank accounts.
9. Follow up and supervise activities of dioceses and churches locally and overseas.
10. Present annual performance and future plan reports at the general parish council meeting held every October; implement decisions of the Holy Synod.
11. Upon assessment and approval by the patriarch, implement transfer/promotion of heads of departments/organizations/sectors.
12. Upon consultation with the patriarch, implement all accordingly.

In addition to provisions under Article 45 of church law, the deputy manager shall have the following powers and functions:

1. The deputy manager:
   1. Shall carry out activities identified with directives and given by the general manager.
   2. Shall act as the general manager in his absence.
2. The deputy manager shall be accountable to the general manager.

1. Management Procedure of Parish Councils

   The management procedure of parish councils at different levels shall be as follows:

   1. Parish councils at any level shall commence work in the attendance of two-third of the members.
   2. Agenda issues shall be decided by majority vote; the chairperson shall cast the deciding vote in case of a tie.
   3. Matters decided shall be recorded in minutes and signed by all attending members.
   4. The chairperson shall be responsible for implementation of decisions.
2. Additional Meeting Time

   In addition to regular meeting times cited under Chapter Three Article 7(1)(B–C), Chapter Five Article 31(1), and Chapter Six Article 37(2), parish councils at different levels shall call extraordinary meetings when urgent cases and adequate reasons exist, or when called by more than half of the members.

As mentioned in Holy Scripture (Leviticus 27:30–33; Deuteronomy 14:22–29; Numbers 18:20–28; Nehemiah 10:32–39; Malachi 3:7–13; Matthew 22:21; Acts 4:32–36; 1 Corinthians 16:1–7), every faithful must pay one-tenth of their income to the church for God’s work and for different social and spiritual works.

The types of church revenues from parish clergies and faithful, as well as other sources, include:

1. Monthly and annual contribution
   1. It is the obligation of every faithful to pay one-tenth of their income.
   2. A clergy or a faithful with their own income shall pay Birr 20 (twenty) monthly; however, depending on the locality, the archbishop, through the administrative council, may determine a payment more than Birr 20.
   3. Anyone may contribute greater than the amount above upon consent.
   4. Those who cannot pay in cash shall contribute from harvest or prosperity as a Christian obligation.
   5. If unable to make payment mentioned under (a–c), the parish administrative council shall review the matter and set an affordable rate. Free service shall be rendered to those unable to make any payment.
   6. Those capable of serving the church with labor and knowledge may do so.
2. Revenue from the parish and other faithful
   1. Vow
   2. Alms collection box
   3. Gift
   4. Monthly and annual contribution
   5. Sale of handicrafts and artifacts
   6. Income from contributions for holy water service and from church visitors
   7. Income from spiritual and social services of Sunday School, Evangelical and other units
   8. Different developmental works
   9. Any income not mentioned above
3. The cash and property mentioned under numbers 1 and 2 shall be collected and deposited into the church treasury; expenses shall be made on the basis of the annual budget allocation upon written authorization by the parish chairperson.
4. For effective monitoring, all revenues of cash and property shall be collected with a uniform official invoice issued under supervision of the patriarchate head office and responsibility of the archbishopric diocese office.
5. Any parish or individual working with another invoice without authorization violates this bylaw and shall be held accountable. Such invoices shall be seized/invalidated; the money collected shall be deposited with an official invoice.
6. Money from each local church parish council shall be deposited in a bank account in the name of the local church; money collected from Woreda to patriarchate levels shall be deposited in accounts in the names of parish councils at each level; resources shall be mobilized as needed per plan and budget year decisions.

The financial expenses of parish council are as follows:

1. The local church shall pay 20% of contributions from clergies and faithful; vows; alms boxes; development projects; and other income. The diocese shall implement payments as per Article 42 Number 5 of this bylaw.
2. In accordance with the budget allocation approved by the superior body:
   1. Salaries
   2. Petty cash
   3. Different planned activities
3. Expenses shall be made on the basis of annual budget allocation upon written authorization only by the local parish administrator (chairperson).
4. The fiscal year of every parish council shall be from Hamle 1 to Sene 30.
5. Annual performance report, property management, financial income and expense prepared in the budget year shall be submitted to the archbishopric diocese office by 30 Hamle. The archbishopric diocese office shall present annual report to the patriarchate head office by 30 Nehassie.
6. Parish councils at different levels shall not make expenses beyond their budget limit.
7. Parish councils shall retain 25% in bank account of contributions collected in the fiscal year to avoid shortages; mobilization requires assessment and approval by the archbishop.

1. Registration of all church ecclesiastical objects and heritages shall be in the language of the church, with Geez characters and numerals, each with its own code, and kept in permanent record properly.
2. When heritages are believed to be in danger and relocation is necessary, they shall be moved only upon decision of the diocese parish administrative council presided by the archbishop, and upon order from the Head Diocese Office; otherwise they shall not be moved.
3. Any individual/institution involved in transferring, hiding, robbery, sale or exchange of church heritages/properties shall be held accountable. If a clergy commits such crime, he shall be suspended from services and denied benefits; the diocese shall bring the matter to the Holy Synod for decision.
4. For safety, it is forbidden to record heritages by camera, microfilm, or other electronic devices unless approved/authorized by a superior body.

1. Criteria for Church Administrator

   To be appointed as a church administrator, a clergy shall fulfill:

   1. Above the age of 30
   2. Able to conduct Divine Mass and teach; preferably trained in interpretations (commentaries) or graduate of spiritual college (diploma or above)
   3. Dedicated service to a local church
   4. Good conduct and model clergy
   5. Experience in administration
   6. Preferably speaks the language of the duty area
2. Criteria for Archpriest or General Manager of Woreda

   To be appointed as archpriest (general manager) of Woreda, a clergy shall fulfill:

   1. Above the age of 30
   2. At least 5 years service as church administrator or management level of diocese
   3. Literate over Qine (poem); able to perform Divine Mass and teach
   4. Preferably trained in interpretations/commentaries or graduate of spiritual college (diploma or above)
   5. Good conduct and model clergy
   6. Experience in administration
   7. Preferably speaks the language within the Woreda
3. Criteria for General Manager of Diocese

   To be a general manager of diocese, a clergy shall fulfill:

   1. Above the age of 35
   2. Served as church administrator, or archpriest of Woreda, or management position of diocese/head diocese
   3. Literate over Qine; able to perform Divine Mass and teach
   4. Graduate of interpretation/commentary schools or spiritual college (diploma or above)
   5. Good conduct and model clergy
   6. Preferably speaks the language within the diocese
4. Appointment of monasteries, churches, and internal servants

   Those to be elected among competent clergies free from immoral activities and with good reputation:

   1. Administrators of monasteries and churches, head monks (abbot) and nuns appointed by His Holiness the Patriarch upon presentation by the diocese archbishop; accountable to the diocese archbishop.
   2. Other administrators appointed by the diocese archbishop; for monasteries upon election by monastic congregation (with minute); for rural churches upon election by clergies and faithful and approval by Woreda diocese office.
   3. A church administrator shall be appointed with the title of his church.
5. Titles of abbot or nun shall be approved by the diocese archbishop upon presentation by respective monasteries.
6. Church titles
   1. Titles such as Liq Tebebet, Qiese Gebez, Kegn’geta, Gra’geta, Riese’Deber, Agafari and Archdeacon shall be given by the administrator upon approval by superior body after assessment/election by council of clergies.
   2. Upon assessment/decision by parish council, the diocese archbishop shall appoint worthy clergies for titles.
   3. Amongst the faithful, those presented for dedicated service and confirmed by diocese administrative council shall be appointed by the archbishop.
   4. No one shall give titles except His Holiness the Patriarch and the diocese archbishop.
7. Woreda diocese shall post notices for hiring teachers, preachers, priests, choir members and staff, and hire for local churches only upon recognition by diocese administrative council and approval by the diocese archbishop.
8. No employment shall be made for churches under Addis Ababa diocese by local administrator/parish council unless qualified after exam per Holy Synod regulation.
9. Employment/assignment from patriarchate office to Woreda diocese shall be assessed and dealt with as needed.
10. Unpaid volunteer assistance
    1. Clergies employed elsewhere may, upon permission, be assigned to parish units and render free service according to interest/competence.
    2. The faithful have rights and obligation to offer free services as needed, except sacramental services.

Without prejudice to Article 12 of church law, clergies and workers shall have the following:

1. Rights
   1. Right to salary as per duty area and profession.
   2. Right to pension for those who fulfill pension contributions.
   3. Right to annual, sick, and maternity leave as permitted by law.
   4. Right to promotion and salary increment based on profession, performance, service, and competence.
   5. Retirement age is 60; contractual employment may be allowed upon recommendation and approval where needed.
   6. No contractual employment has legal ground except as provided.
   7. Retirees from public entities may serve without salary; exceptions for special skills may be contractual.
   8. Pension rights transfer to legally accepted family if worker dies before/after retirement.
   9. Retirement benefit applies after 10 years permanent service with pension contribution; otherwise severance proportional to service term.
   10. Pension contributions (4% employee + 6% employer) shall be transferred appropriately upon worker transfer.
   11. Traditional teachers of interpretations/Qine/Yaredic hymns/liturgy may continue beyond retirement age as long as able.
2. Obligation
   1. Serve the church with full potential.
   2. Pay 4% of salary for pension contribution.
   3. Teach spiritual children; register them; encourage timely contributions.
   4. Priests must register spiritual children and encourage contributions.
   5. Render services from baptism to funeral prayers to all faithful.
   6. Respect and uphold church order; avoid immoral acts that criticize the church.
   7. Accept transfers as needed across levels.
   8. Discharge duties diligently; obey superiors; keep good conduct; respect work and time.
   9. Not be idle except for sickness/serious reasons; especially teach youth to defend from other beliefs.
   10. Deacons serve with titles between ages 10–20; those above 25 may serve if married officially or fulfilling vows and remaining firm in monasteries.

Without prejudice to Article 13 of church law, the faithful shall have the following rights and obligations:

1. Rights
   1. A registered faithful with valid ID card has the right to get church services.
   2. A faithful who paid dues and moved shall not be required to pay again to receive service in another parish upon request.
   3. Guest/traveler who dies in another parish shall be served funeral prayers free upon ID or witnesses confirming membership.
   4. Funeral prayers for family members are free if the faithful is duly registered and pays monthly/annual contributions.
   5. Registered faithful may get free services by settling arrears; penalties apply if arrears exceed two years.
   6. Unregistered faithful who dies may receive prayers with payment upon confirmation by spiritual father.
   7. Every EOTC member has the right to prayers and graveyard upon death.
2. Obligations
   1. Serve the church with financial contribution, administration, education, development and social services; assist with wealth, knowledge, skill and labor.
   2. Register at local church; obtain ID; make payments; register family; help others register; help children learn at Sunday School and maintain order.
   3. Abstain from immoral acts violating church values/rules; respect and uphold rules and Holy Scriptures.
   4. When moving parishes, return ID, receive departure letter, and register in the new parish.
   5. Bear obligation to be elected and serve the parish.
   6. Have an ordained priest as spiritual father.

The number of clergies and workers serving in monasteries, churches and rural churches shall be determined based on services and income of the church, upon assessment at different levels by the parish administrative council, Woreda diocese, and archbishopric diocese, as per directive of the Holy Synod.

1. When any clergy or worker violates Article 60(2): advice at first offence; warning at second; penalty at third. Penalties may include fine, canon penalty, transfer, suspension, dismissal from work, or cancelling membership. Maximum penalty of dismissal/membership cancellation is effective only upon consensus by Woreda diocese and approval by the archbishop of the archbishopric diocese.
2. Dismissal/suspension of a priest from service applies:
   1. At local church/Woreda level: only when the diocese archbishop approves upon examination by administrative council.
   2. Above archbishopric diocese level: only when the general manager approves upon review by head diocese administrative council.
3. If a priest is guilty of misconduct requiring withholding priesthood, the archbishop shall withhold priesthood upon approval by administrative council.
4. If a priest is warned and fails to register spiritual children and ensure contributions, but only brings them for funeral services:
   1. First: written warning
   2. Second: fine of half one month salary
   3. Third: fine of one month salary with final warning
   4. Finally: suspension from priestly title
5. When any follower violates Article 61(2):
   1. First: advice and education by spiritual father or church representative
   2. Second: consultation and canon
   3. Third: temporary suspension from membership with warning
   4. Cancellation of membership is effective only upon examination by special council and approval by the diocese archbishop.

1. Appeals against decisions of local parish administrative council shall be filed to the Woreda diocese according to hierarchy.
2. Appeals against Woreda diocese decisions shall be reviewed by the diocese administrative council in the presence of the diocese archbishop.
3. If members from local church to Woreda level are guilty of embezzlement or offences after operation begins, the diocese parish administrative council presided by the archbishop may cancel upon review.
4. If members of diocese parish administrative council commit administrative defects, they shall be replaced upon decision of head diocese administrative council.
5. Parish councils must use centralized invoices/models/registries; working with other invoices shall be legally accountable.
6. Those opposing this bylaw shall be cancelled from titles (clergy from priestly title; faithful from membership).
7. Previous Qale Awadee versions and directives listed have been amended by this Ecclesiastical Constitution (Qale Awadee).

This Ecclesiastical Constitution (Qale Awadee) shall be implemented at archdioceses, Woreda dioceses, monasteries, churches, and local churches across the world, based on the faith, order, and tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and by servants at different levels, the faithful, and spiritual/economic/social institutions established to speed development and growth within the church.

Originally written in Amharic, this Ecclesiastical Constitution has been translated into English at a centralized level without distortion of the original content so that it is implemented by overseas archdioceses in harmony with the law of the land.

This Ecclesiastical Constitution may be amended as per Article 53 sections 1 and 2 of the church law.

This Ecclesiastical Constitution (Qale Awadee) shall be effective as of July 2017 (Hamle 2009 E.C.), the date it was approved and enacted by the Assembly of the Holy Synod.

The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

Addis Ababa, July 2017 (Hamle 2009 E.C.)