Ethiopian Patriarch Abune Paulose of Ethiopia enters Eternal Rest

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has announced the death of its patriarch, Abune Paulos

His Holiness Abune Paulos,
Fifth Patriarch and Catholicos of Ethiopia,
Ichege of the See of St Tekle Haymanot,
Archbishop of Axum

Addis Ababa,August 16, 2012: His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch and Catholicos of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Archbishop of Axum and Ichege of the See of Saint Teklehaimanot passed away last night (early Thursday) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He was 76 years old.Official sources has confirmed the demise of the Patriarch .The Patriarch was seriously ill and was admitted to the Dejazmach Balcha Hospital in Addis Ababa.It has been reported that the Patriarch has been undergoing a medication for a long time.

The body of the deceased Patriarch is presently at the Balcha Hospital. The date of funeral has not been confirmed yet.

The patriarch, who was one of the seven serving presidents of the World Council of Churches is said to have been taken ill a few weeks ago, but the cause of his death, is yet to be established.

Born in Adwa in Tigray Province of the northern part of the country, the patriarch did his education at the Theological College of the Holy Trinity in Addis Ababa under the patronage of Patriarch Abune Tewophilos.

He was sent to study at the St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in the United States and later undertook doctoral degree at Princeton Theological Seminary.

The patriarch also lived in exile in the United States.

Paulos, a renowned scholar and peace advocate, worked on the reconciliation process between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

He was one of the rare exceptionally educated patriarchs in Ethiopian history after completing various degrees, including his doctoral degree, at prestigious institutions.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

Ethiopian Church to decide on the funeral dates of Patriarch Abuna Paulose

Addis Ababa,August 16, 2012: It has been reported that the Ethiopian Holy Synod and Church leaders is to gather at the Capital city to decide the funeral dates of Patriarch Abune Paulose. A committee will be formed to lead the funeral rites.

More info awaited.

Source:OCP News Service