A three-day joint clergy conference, under the auspices of their Graces Bishop Mekarios and Bishop Sinoda, took place from September 1st to 3rd, 2023, at Abune Tekle-haymanot Eritrean Orthodox Church in San Antonio, Texas. Several clergy and faithful also participated through Zoom. At this event, both their Graces and other church fathers delivered teachings and lessons.

On Friday, September 1, 2023, there was an extensive discussion on the recently drafted church bylaw. The following day, Saturday, September 2, 2023, the discussion on the bylaw continued, and by day's end, the bylaw was adopted and formally ratified.

The Church of Abune Tekle-Haymanot's faithful have acquired a 22-acre of land. The architectural plans disclosed to the public reveals that the church's future development will encompass a monastery, administrative offices, and a housing section intended for visitors lodging.

Furthermore, Sunday September 3, 2023 marked the commemoration day of Abune Tekle-haymanot. Praises began on Saturday evening and then throughout the early Sunday morning, praises and doxology prayers were continually sung, in tune with the timeless hymns of the Eritrean Orthodox Church. It was attended by numerous faithful from near and far who participated.

The Divine Liturgy was officiated by His Grace Bishop Mekarios and His Grace Bishop Sinoda. Later on, a press release calling for reconciliation and church unity was read out, marking the conclusion of the three-day joint clergy conference.

Also, His Grace Bishop Mekarios planted a tree in the compound of the church that will serve as a memorial dedicated to His Holiness Patriarch Antonios.

We express our gratitude to the clergy, Komos, Abba Tekle-haymanot, to Church Board members and to the Abune Tekle-haymanot Eritrean Orthodox Church faithful, for their kind hospitality. Additionally, we extend our sincere thanks to the Church's mothers, who tirelessly attended to our daily needs during the 3-day conference.

May God protect His Church and His flock.

September 4, 2023