sentences:  It consisted of the most prominent representatives of the Lithuanian magnate families, as well as bishops, marshals and treasurers.The "ex officio" members of the Council were the voivods of Vilnius and Trakai, castellans of Vilnius and Trakai, the Elder of Samogitia, the Grand Hetman of Lithuania and the Grand Chancellor of Lithuania.Since the 16th century, these members comprised a Secret Council which was a "de facto" core of the Council of Lords, dealing with all crucial state affairs, since the full membership of the Council was rarely convened.