Conclusion:

The fate of His Holiness Abune Antonios and that of the Eritrean Orthodox Church is intimately intertwined.  His anointing is not of this world but of above. He is a true example of the diligent shepherd. Today he willingly suffers for the sake of his faith and the church he loves, and has dedicated his life for.

But there will come a time in which His Holiness Abune Antonios, the third Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, will face the world without shame.  Even now he rejoices because our Lord has taught us: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12). During this most difficult time in the life of the children of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, her children have no choice but to pray for her and H.H. Patriarch Antonios.  The God of justice and truth will see her through.

We call upon all the servants of the church and the faithful to lift Abune Antonios and our church in our prayers. We call for a national repentance, because the word of God tells us: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:13-15).

May God grant the Church His peace.
By Disciples of Antonios                                                                          
Students at St. Athanasius Theological Seminary
Corpus Christi, Texas, USA
April 25, 2008

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