Clerical Council FAQ

Diocese of Mississauga Vancouver and Western Canada
What are the grounds for divorce in the Coptic Orthodox Church?

The Church abides by the teachings of Christ and thus an ecclesiastical divorce is only permissible in cases of adultery.

What are the grounds for permission to remarry in the Coptic Orthodox Church?

The Church reviews and decides each case based on the evidence presented by the parties and in accordance with biblical principles and Coptic Cannon Law.

How long will my case take to resolve?

The duration of each case will depend on the complexity and completeness of the evidence and Applications. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt of the Application. The Council will review your Application and supporting documents and schedule and a meeting with you and two priest members of the Council. After meeting with you, the Council will extend a meeting invitation to your spouse to allow your spouse the opportunity to discuss the case and respond to any allegations raised by you. Following these meetings, the two priest members will meet with the Council and the Council will make a decision on your Application.

What is an annulment?
An annulment is a judgment by the Clerical Council that a marriage was invalid from its inception and thus, invalid, i.e., the marriage never existed.
Do I need a civil divorce?
A decree of civil divorce is a requirement for a permit to remarry to be granted.
Can I apply for permission to remarry?

A link to the application is found on this website. All Applicants must, complete the Application in its entirety, attach copies of supporting documentation and deliver the package in person to:

Clerical Council
Diocese of Mississauga, Vancouver & Western Canada
1245 Eglinton Avenue West
Mississauga, ON L4V 2M4

Will the council obtain any information I disclosed to my priest in the sacrament of Holy Confession and Repentance?

No. The Church in its entirety, and the Clerical Council, specifically, will never compromise the sanctity and confidence of the Sacrament of Confession and Repentance.

Who has the burden of proving the claims made in a case?

The Applicant making the claims bears the burden of proof. If the spouse fails to attend a meeting to respond to the allegations, the Council may rely solely on the evidence presented by the Applicant in reaching its decision.

Application 

Instructions on how to submit a case to be considered by the clerical council.

Open Case