In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God, Amen.

Press Release by the Dioceses and Sub-Dioceses of the Eritrean Orthodox Church in Diaspora on the Appointment of Illegitimate '6th Patriarch' by the Eritrean Orthodox Church.

"The voice of thy brother's blood cries unto me from the ground." Genesis 4:10.

It is widely known that the Eritrean government, in collaboration with certain bishops, acted as prosecutors, witnesses, judges, and executioners in condemning His Holiness, the 3rd Patriarch Abune Antonios, accusing him of heresy for allegedly 'not believing in God's only begotten Son.' This grave injustice shocked the people of Eritrea and all who value justice worldwide.

Because of the above illegal action, imprisonment, and subsequent martyrdom of the late patriarch in 2022, The Church and its followers have faced a deep canonical crisis and division since 2005. Responding to public outrage, the government-controlled synod in Eritrea delayed action for several years. Still, the government ultimately imposed the appointment of illegitimate patriarchs - first the '4th Patriarch' Abune Dioscoros, and later the '5th Patriarch' Abune Qerlos. Given the government's heavy-handed control over the Church, the faithful had hoped the bishops would stand firm in their faith and work to heal the deep wounds caused by the unlawful removal of the late patriarch of blessed memory, Abune Antonios. In his final days, he endured complete isolation and was placed under house arrest without adequate medical care or access to visitors.

The Oriental Orthodox Churches are fully aware of this violation of the Nicene Canon by the government-controlled synod in Asmara. Pope Shenouda Ill of thrice memory, made significant efforts to restore adherence to church canons and promote healing among the Eritrean faithful. Per the protocol between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Eritrean Orthodox Church of [1998], the unilateral and unlawful removal of patriarchs in either church is firmly condemned. Article 11 states: "Both Churches are committed not to depose and replace a Patriarch or a Bishop of her own in his lifetime, unless his deposition is decided by the Holy Synod of his Church, through a canonical procedure." ( Protocol  Between The Coptic Orthodox Church and the Eritrean Orthodox Church Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles)

Despite these hardships, the Eritrean Church in Diaspora, under the leadership of our experienced bishops, has persistently attempted to engage with the bishops in Asmara, both directly and indirectly, to resolve these ongoing challenges. Efforts to involve the Oriental Orthodox Churches in mediation were also pursued. Unfortunately, these attempts proved unsuccessful, as the synod in Eritrea remains under complete government control, leaving the bishops powerless.

Once again, the cry of the blood of Abune Antonios the Confessor, along with the anguish of countless individuals subjected to cruel imprisonment in both known and unknown locations for their faith, devotion to God, and conscience, echoes loudly. At this critical juncture, the bishops are once again directed to proceed with the unlawful ordination of a '6th Patriarch'. Such action will only exacerbate the crisis and deepen divisions among the faithful, perpetuating the division and the suffering of Eritrea's Orthodox Christians.

Our Dioceses and Sub-Dioceses worldwide firmly declare that we will not recognize the unlawful ordination of a new patriarch. We strongly believe that reconciliation within the church should take   ace before such ordination. Moreover, the anathema placed on the bishops of the Eritrean Orthodox Church by His Holiness, the 3rd Patriarch Abune Antonios, should be properly lifted. We remain steadfast in our spiritual commitment to striving for lasting peace, unity, and healing within the Church and among its people: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation." Ephesians 2:14.

Therefore, we appeal to all the abbots, the monks in all the monasteries in Eritrea, and the clergy worldwide, particularly those in exile, to refrain from actions that deepen the divisions among our pea  e, prolong our suffering, and widen the rift within our communities. We also urge all the Oriental Orthodox Churches to continue fulfilling their vital role in fostering peace and unity within the Eritrean Orthodox Church.

Finally, we commend the spiritual struggles of justice-seeking people worldwide and encourage you to persevere until justice and reconciliation are achieved within the Eritrean Orthodox Church. May the Almighty God reward your efforts, and through the intercession of our Holy Mother, St. Mary the Theotokos, may her blessings be upon us.

Copies to:

1.                  The Monasteries Eritrea

2.                  The Oriental Orthodox Churches

3.                  The Diocese of North America The Diocese of Europe

4.                  The Sub-Diocese of Australia and New Zealand

5.                  The Sub-Diocese of the Middle East and Africa The Sub-Diocese of Canada

November 9, 2024