The Election and Service of Patriarch Antonios:

The procedures used in the election of H.H. Patriarch Antonios and his subsequent consecration were in accordance to church canon. Abune Antonios was one of the original five monks of the Eritrean Orthodox Church who were consecrated as bishops at the Cathedral of St. Mark in Egypt in 1994. From that day until his elevation to the office of the patriarch, he served as a diocesan bishop in Zoba Ma’ekel (previously, Hamassien Province). During this period in his life he was known for his devotion, exemplary spiritual life, diligence and service as a true shepherd.   

Following the repose of H.H. Abune Yacob, the second Patriarch of the EOC, Abune Antonios served as Aqabe menber (Guardian of the Seat) for nearly a year and a half. The Synod then elected him as the Third Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church. This election was conducted in accordance with Article 7 of the Protocol between the Coptic Church and the EOC. The relevant article reads: “Each Church has the liberty to chose its own Patriarch. But in order to manifest the tight relations between the two Churches; the other Church will send a delegation of ten members of the church: two diocesan Bishops, two abbots of monasteries, and six other persons representing other categories of church members in order to attend the election process as guests.”Article 7. The ceremony was presided over, on the basis of the aforementioned protocol and in the presence of a large Coptic delegation, by Pope Shenouda III.