The Present Condition of Patriarch Antonios:

At present nobody knows exactly where Abune Antonios is held.  On July 25, 2005 he was officially notified that he was stripped of all administrative responsibilities.  His office was sealed. To make sure that he had no communication with anyone, his telephone and fax were disconnected. His passport was confiscated so that he won’t leave the country.  One thing, however, is certain. He is under a strict house arrest.

On January 13, 2006 His Holiness was sent a letter informing him that he was dethroned. The same letter, enumerating all the accusations that were used as the basis for his removal, was also disseminated to all the churches.  The Synod, now under the complete control of Mr. Yoftahe, became the prosecutor and the judge. Abune Antonios was never given a chance to face his accusers or defend himself in a properly constituted church tribunal as the constitution and traditions of the church required.

On January 20, 2007 two messengers of Mr. Yoftahe – Frs. Fitsum Tesfai and Ghebre -Ewostatewos Kidane - appeared at the residence of His Holiness accompanied by three armed security agents and confiscated the pontiff’s patriarchal vestments, scepter, books and other personal belongings.  The group that orchestrated this act with the acquiescence of the synod immediately put out letters to all the dioceses with strict injunctions to make sure that the patriarch’s name is no longer mentioned in the prayers and the liturgy of the church. He is denied visitations to the monasteries he loves so much.  He can no longer celebrate the liturgy nor participate in the Holy Communion. No visitors, family or otherwise, are allowed to visit him.