Abstract

The series Conciliorum oecumenicorum generaliumque decreta (COGD), initiated in the early 21st century, aims to update the seminal work of the Conciliorum oecumenicorum decreta (COD) published in 1962. COGD V/1-2 provide a comprehensive and critically edited collection of the synodal decisions from the councils of the Eastern and Western Syriac Churches, reflecting their theological divergences. Considering the meticulous process of collating and editing these decisions, the paper details the challenges posed by historical, political, and religious contexts and underscores the importance of direct access to primary sources, such as the ms Baghdad 509 (alias Al Qosh 169). The research team, facing the backdrop of war and political instability in the Middle East, pursued a rigorous methodology to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the texts, collaborating with local scholars and religious authorities and employing advanced photographic techniques to document the manuscripts in their own cultural and geographical context.