Oriental Orthodox Church: August 2012

20120831

HIS HOLINESS EXPRESSES HIS PROTEST TO THE PRESIDENT OF HUNGARY

In a letter to H.E. János Áder, the president of Hungary, His Holiness Aram I expressed his deep concern and dismay concerning the extradition of Azeri murderer Lieutenant R. Safarov (who has murdered an Armenian Lieutenant G. Margarian in Budapest, back in 2004 and was serving a life sentence) to Azerbaijan, and for the pardon he was granted by the Azerbaijani president.

Catholicos Aram I said that this act is a "flagrant violation of the international law and principles of justice" and it has "generated a huge wave of frustration and protest among the Armenians in Armenia and the world-wide Diaspora".

His Holiness reminds the president of Hungary that "political interests must not undermine the imperative of justice and human dignity" and that "such a behavior does not help to promote good relations and close co-operation among nations and states".

The letter of His Holiness was presented to the Ambassador of Hungary to Lebanon by a delegation of clergy representing the Holy See of Cilicia.

20120824

Middle East Council of Churches to assist refugees and displaced people in Syria

Beirut, Lebanon, August 24, 2012: Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) moderated an emergency meeting on August 21 presided by Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia.

Humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced people in Syria was on the agenda. Until recently, the MECC's programme operated out of Damascus.

Given the deteriorating situation in the country, the presidents decided to decentralize the operation and create new centres for humanitarian aid in Aleppo, Homs, Latakia and Kamishli, the statement issued by Catholicosate said.

They also decided that they would ask other ecumenical organizations in the country to continue their activities, but in coordination with the local churches.

The other Presidents attending the meeting were: Syriac Catholic Patriarch His Beatitude Youssef III Lahham, representing the Catholic family of churches, His Grace Mounib Younan, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran in Jordan and the HolyLand, on behalf of the Protestant churches, the General Secretary, His Grace Bishop Paul Rohanna and Associate General Secretary, Dr. Elias Halabi. Rev. Dr. Habib Badr, the Moderator of the MECC Task Force, also attended the meeting.
Source:NEWS.am

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I PRESIDES OVER A MEETING OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE MIDDLE EAST COUNCIL OF CHURCHES (MECC)

Tuesday night, 21 August 2012, His Holiness Aram I, one of the Presidents of the MECC, moderated an emergency meeting of the Council. The other Presidents attending the meeting were: Syriac Catholic Patriarch His Beatitude Youssef III Lahham, representing the Catholic family of churches, His Grace Mounib Younan, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran in Jordan and the Holy Land, on behalf of the Protestant churches, the General Secretary, His Grace Bishop Paul Rohanna and Associate General Secretary, Dr. Elias Halabi. Rev. Dr. Habib Badr, the Moderator of the MECC Task Force, also attended the meeting.

The agenda included two issues: Humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced people in Syria. Until recently, the MECC's programme operated out of Damascus. Given the deteriorating situation in the country, the presidents decided to decentralize the operation and create new centres for humanitarian aid in Aleppo, Homs, Latakia and Kamishli. They also decided that they would ask other ecumenical organizations in the country to continue their activities, but in coordination with the local churches.

The second item was the nomination of a new general secretary. The current General Secretary Bishop Paul Rohanna, is resigning because of his new calling by his Church as a Diocesan Bishop. According to MECC by-Laws the new general secretary must be nominated during the next six month. They decided to set the procedures.

Source:armenianorthodoxchurch.org

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SPEAKER OF LEBANON’S PARLIAMENT

Antelias (Lebanon): 23 August 2012. Representatives of His Excellency Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Parliament and leader of Shi’ite Amal Party, invited His Holiness Aram I to the 34th commemoration of the disappearance of Imam Musa Sadr, founder of the Amal movement. On this occasion, the members of Amal’s executive committee talked to the Catholicos about the events in Syria and their consequences for Lebanon. His Holiness urged the visitors to be attentive to any attempt at destroying the unique confessional structure of Lebanon’s democracy.

Requiem Service for Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Church

Etchmiadzin,August 24, 2012: On August 27, at 11:00 am, in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians will preside over a Requiem Service offered for Patriarch Abune Paulos of Blessed Memory, Head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services

Headquarters of Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch to be Sifted from Damascus

Beirut,August 24, 2012: The Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch may shift their headquarters to Beirut, Lebanon as the Church administration has been deeply affected by the political crisis in Damascus and the rest of Syria.

The Holy Synod of the Church will begin on 11th of September at Beirut and several important decisions are expected to be made.The Church headquarters have been functioning at Beirut since the development of the internal crisis in Syria.

Patriarch Ignatius Zakka Iwas will not return to Damascus after the treatment in Germany. The Ancient Syrian Orthodox Church where the belt of Holy Theotokos rests has been destroyed in bombing. The holy belt has been saved since it was moved from the Church in advance. The Aleppo Diocesan headquarters of the Church has suffered . More then 400 houses of Syrian Orthodox Christians have been destroyed and robbed. Most of the faithful have already migrated to Europe and USA. There are only a handful of Monks remaining at the Church headquarters in Damascus.

Plans for Germany

It has been rumored in some media that the headquarters of the Church shall be sifted to Germany. Due to the unstable political conditions in Middle East some believe that Germany will be an ideal place for the Church headquarters to function smoothly. Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch has considerable number of faithful residing in Lebanon, Germany, Sweden and rest of the Europe.

The Patriarchate of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch has been shifted from one place to another at several instances in history due several political, religions reasons. The Patriarchate was transferred to different monasteries in Mesopotamia in early days. In the 13th century it was transferred to the Mor Hananyo Monastery , in southeastern Turkey near Mardin, where it remained until 1933. It was transferred to Homs, Syria and in 1959 was transferred again to Damascus. The Patriarchate has also functioned at Lebanon during the time of Patriarch Ignatius Yacob III and also at Tur Abdin Monastery.

Source: OCP News Service

Photo:en.wikipedia.org

Highlights of the Burial of HH Patriarch Abune Paulos

20120823

New Ethiopia leader's swearing in delayed for funeral of church leader

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, August 23, 2012: — Ethiopia has postponed the emergency session of parliament to swear in a new prime minister.

Acting Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn was to be sworn in Thursday following the death on Monday of longtime leader Meles Zenawi.

Officials in Ethiopia didn't immediately announce the reason for the delay, but most government leaders — including Hailemariam — attended the Thursday funeral of Abune Paulos, the head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The funeral for Meles, who ruled Ethiopia for 21 years, has not yet been set. Leaders from around the world are expected to attend.

Hailemariam is a relatively young figure on Ethiopia's political scene and it's not clear if old guard leaders will allow him to hold onto the prime minister's seat until 2015 elections.
Source:CBS NEWS

Ethiopian patriarch Abune Paulos buried

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2012: Thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians gathered on Thursday at the St. Trinity Cathedral Church in Addis Ababa to pay their last respects to the late patriarch, Abune Paulos who died last week at 76.

Representatives from various countries, bishops and heads of churches including Coptic Church of Egypt, Syria and India, General Secretary of World Churches, representatives of the Vatican and the Greek Orthodox Church attended the funeral ceremony.

The late Ethiopian patriarch was one of the seven serving presidents of the World Council of Churches.

The body of His Holiness Abune Paulos arrived at St. Trinity Cathedral Church late on Wednesday for a special religious ceremony.

H.E Dr. Gabriel Mar Gregorios (Metropolitan of
Thiruvananthapuram) and H.E Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros
(Metropolitan of Madras) of Indian Orthodox Church at
the funeral ceremony

He was transported from St. Mary Church Monastery to the cathedral in a special coach and escorted by patriarchs, the laity, staff members of Teklay Bete Khinet, trainees in spiritual colleges of Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC), abbots and abbess of various monasteries and heads of churches in Addis Ababa.

The special funeral ceremony was accompanied by various religious ceremonies, including a mass prayer ceremony and a requiem. Thursday's funeral ceremony was broadcast live on national television and radios.

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.
Source: The Africa Report
Photos: Malankara Orthodox Syrian Diocese of South-West America

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES FORMER LEBANESE PRESIDENT AMIN GEMAYEL

Antelias: Former President Amin Gemayel visits Catholicos of Cilicia His Holiness Aram I, Tuesday 14 August 2012, Antelias

On Tuesday morning 14 August 2012, former President of Lebanon and leader of Phalange Party met with His Holiness Aram I.

During the two-hour meeting they discussed the situation in the Middle East, its challenges to Christians in the region, and issues of concern in Lebanon.

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I SENT CONDOLENCES TO THE HOLY SYNOD OF THE ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

Antelias: The funeral of His Holiness Abuna Paulos, Patraiarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox church, who died a few days ago, will be held today, August 23 at St. Trinity Cathedral in Addis Abeba, in the presence of church leaders, foreign dignitaries and government officials. His Eminence Arch. Gomidas Ohanian will represent His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and the Holy See of Cilicia at the funeral.

Hereunder the text of the letter of condolences of His Holiness Aram I:

To the Holy Synod of the sister Ethiopian Orthodox Church

Addis Abeba

Ethiopia

It is with profound sorrow that we have learned of the passing away of His Holiness Abuna Paulos, the Patriarch of the sister Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Even before our election as heads of our respective Churches, His Holiness Abuna Paulos and I had a close collaborative relationship.

His Holiness opened a new page in the modern history of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church: he constructed new churches and formed a new generation of clergy; he instituted a number of church-related projects in the area of development; he promoted the churches' social diakonia and reactivated its evangelical mission and pastoral outreach; he gave a new impetus to the ecumenical engagement of the church and strengthened inter-Oriental Orthodox unity.

Within the context of our inter-Oriental Orthodox relations, His Holiness wished to organize a second meeting of the heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches in Addis Abeba, in consultation with the leaderships of our family. We personally supported this initiative. We also organized a meeting between His Holiness Abuna Paulos and His Holiness Shenouda III, the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, after a period of stagnated relations between the two sister churches. Furthermore, we encouraged His Holiness to take more active part in the ecumenical movement.

Our close collaboration led us to meet frequently in Addis Abeba and in the headquarters of the Armenian Church's Holy See of Cilicia, in Antelias, Lebanon. The goal of His Holiness was to reinvigorate the evangelical mission and ecumenical witness of his church and re-affirm its role in a new world context.

The late Patriarch Abuna Paulos became a strong voice of Africa in Christendom, defending the rights of the African people, exposing their concerns and expectations, and advocating for the unity of this great continent.

The passing away of His Holiness is, therefore, a great loss for his Church, for the Oriental Orthodox family, the ecumenical movement and Africa.

On this sad occasion, We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the Holy Synod of the sister Ethiopian Orthodox Church, to the faithful, to the government and to the people of Ethiopia.

We pray to the Almighty God to accept the soul of His Holiness Abuna Paulos in His heavenly kingdom. May God bless you all.

Prayerfully,

ARAM I

CATHOLICOS OF CILICIA

21 August 2012

Antelias, Lebanon

Body of late His Holiness arrives at St. Trinity Cathedral

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2012: The body of His Holiness Abune Paulos has arrived at St. Trinity Cathedral Church.

The corpse has been transported from St. Mary Church Monastery to the Cathedral being carried by special coach and escorted by patriarchs, the laity, Staff members of Teklay Bete Khinet, trainees in spiritual colleges of Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC), abbots and abbess of various monasteries and heads of churches in Addis Ababa.

The youth from Sabbath schools and police marsh band has also escorted the corpse of His Holiness enroute to the Cathedral.

Hymens that describe the virtuous deeds of His Holiness were song and horns were blown during the procession.

In the procession, Monks, nuns and orphans from Sebeta Bete Denagil Monastery have also escorted the corpse.

Monastery abbess, Emahoi Fikrte Bekele said His Holiness has been support the monastery and foster orphans.

She said his instruction, support and blessing was vital to the existence of the monastery where 320 orphans, nuns and monks inhabited. The death of His Holiness is a great lose for the monastery.

Mass prayers and requiem will be conducted until Thursday morning with the presence of patriarchs, sisterly churches representatives in the Cathedral.

Representatives, bishops and heads of churches including Coptic Church of Egypt, Syria and India, General Secretary of World Churches, representatives of Vatican Greek Orthodox have arrived here to attend the interment.

Ethiopian News Agency (E N A)

Countries, Ethiopian Embassies express sadness over death of EOC Patriarch

Addis Ababa, August 22,2012: Various heads of countries, Ethiopian Embassies in foreign countries have expressed their sadness over the death of His Holiness Abune Paulos. Accordingly, King of Spain Juan Carlos I and Russian Federation Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have expressed their grief to President Girma WoldeGiyorgis and Acting Prime Minister Haile Mariam Dessalegn. Similarly, Ethiopian Embassies in Djibouti, Havana, Dublin,and Seoul, and have also expressed their sadness over the death of His Holiness, according to the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

They commended the contribution of His Holiness to strengthen peace, tolerance and cooperation.

They reminisced the role of His Holiness to help Ethiopia establish amicable diplomatic ties with other countries.

They wish comfort to the people of Ethiopia and the EOC laity. The Norwegian Church Aid has also expressed its sorrow over the death of His Holiness Abune Paulos.

Ethiopian News Agency (E N A)

20120821

The Ethiopian Television to Boradcast Funeral Ceremony of the Late Patriarch Abune Paulos

Addis Ababa, August 20,2012: The Ethiopian Television (ETV) will bring to you the funeral ceremony of the late patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, Abune Paulos live through the following streaming links Thursday starting from 9AM in the morning Addis Ababa time(GMT +3).

The procession starts from the papal residence at the St. Mary’s cathedral and will end at 12 noon at the Holy Trinity Cathedral cemetery.

Link to Live Streaming:http://www.etvlive.gov.et/etv.html

-Solomon Mengist (Special Correspondent) OCP News Service

Holy Synod of Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch to be held

Atchaneh, August 18, 2012:The Holy Synod of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch will be held at St. Jacob monastery in Atchaneh, Lebanon, starts from September 10th, 2012.
Source:OCP

Holy Synod of EOC appoints Abune Nathaniel as Managing Archbishop

Abune Nathaniel

Addis Ababa, August 20,2012: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Holy Synod has appointed Arssi Diocese Archbishop, Abune Nathaniel as managing archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC).

The Holy Synod General Secretary and Keffa Sheka Benchi and Maji Dioceses Archbishop, His Holiness Abune Hiskele told journalists that the Synod in its meeting on Monday elected Abune Nathaniel to serve as managing patriarch until major election and anointment takes place.

He said the election of the managing archbishop helps realize multi-faceted spiritual and social activities of EOC.

Abune Hiskele said the Holy Synod has elected Abune Nathaniel for his long spiritual service based on the EOC canon.

With a view to consolidate the Holy Synod, some seven additional members for the outstanding Synod have been elected. The elected religious leaders are Abune Timotiyos, Abune Gabriel, Abune Estifanos, Abune Lukas, Abune Samuel, Abune Matewos and Abune Abrham.

Ethiopian News Agency (E N A)

ERTA Report

Archbishop Abune Natnael elected as the Locum Tenens of Ethiopian Orthodox Church

20/8/2012

Addis Ababa: It has been reported that The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on Monday elected Archbishop Abune Natnael of Arsi Diocese as the Locum Tenens (Caretaker) of the Patriarchal Throne until a new leader is elected.

It has also been reported that seven Archbishops . Abune Timotheos, Abune Gabriel, Abune Estephanos, Abune Lukas, Abune Samuel, Abune Matheos and Abune Abraham have also been elected to assist the Locum Tenens and to moderate procedures to elect the next Patriarch.

ERTA

Ethiopian PM Meles passes way

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2012: Prime Minister of Ethiopia Meles Zenawi has passed away late on Monday.

PM Meles died after being treated abroad for the last few weeks, the Council of Ministers announced.

The Council said PM Meles was visionary leader for the Ethiopia and steadfastly worked for the renaissance of Africa.

PM Meles has been representing his country and Africa at international forums to consolidate peace and stability.

The Council decided Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hailemariam Dessalegn to be in charge of acting Prime Minster of the country.

The Council said the funeral arrangements would be announced soon.

Ethiopian News Agency (E N A)

EPRDF expresses deepest condolences over death of EOC Patriarch

Addis Ababa, August 20,2012: The Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has expressed its deepest condolences over the death of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) Patriarch Abune Palos.

According to EPRDF Council Secretariat, leaders and the entire members of the Front have learnt the death of the Patriarch with shock.

The Council said His Holiness had executed remarkable jobs in ensuring peace, engaging public in development endeavors and brining religious tolerance.

The Council noted that Abune Paulos effort in bringing political parties together in respect and unison for national agenda was grateful.

The Council expressed gratitude for the passion of Abune Paulos to support the needy ones, provide caring to patients and active engagement of the church in wide range of development activities.

The Council said Abune Paulos would be remembered for ever for his religious leadership here and abroad, steadfast work to consolidate peace, cooperation and friendship among the people of the world, tolerance and co-existence among various religions.

The Front has lost a great leader, the Council said and expressed its belief that EOC father and leaders should follow His Holiness suits to consolidate peace in Ethiopia and Africa and in the world.

The Council called on religious father and leaders of the EOC to continue their leading role in speeding up development and safeguard the welfare of human beings.

The Council said leaders of the Front wished solace to families and relatives of Abune Paulos, religious fathers and followers of the EOC.

Ethiopian News Agency (E N A)

20120820

Speakers express sadness over death of EOC Patriarch

Addis Ababa, August 20,2012: Speaker of the House of Peoples Representative (HPR) Abadula Gemeda expressed sadness over the death of Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC), Abune Paulos.

The Speaker has expressed his deepest sadness on behalf of the Ethiopian people and the government while writing on the book of condolence at the office of His Holiness.

On the occasion, he said His Holiness was sagacious spiritual father who contributed a lot to consolidate peace in the country.

Specially, he said, Abune Paulos was striving to help religions to develop tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

He wished comfort to the Orthodox laity and called on other religious fathers to follow suit for the same cause.

Similarly, Speaker of the House of Federation, Kassa TekleBirhan has also expressed his grief on the death of Abune Paulos.

He said His Holiness has carried out excellent activities related to promoting Ethiopia as a country of peace and tolerance on the international arena.

Accordingly, prominent personalities and institutions have continued sending their condolence over the death of the EOC Patriarch Abune Paulo.

Hence, HPR Deputy Speaker, Shitaye Minale, Prime Minister's Legal Affairs Advisor, Dr. Fasil Nahom, Children, Women and Youth Affairs Minister Zenebu Tadesse, Health Minister Dr. Tewodros Adhanom and Education Minister Demeke Mekonnen have expressed their sadness over the death of His Holiness.

Similarly, the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development, Ethiopian Commodity Exchange and Ethiopian Airports Enterprise have also expressed their grief over the death of Abune Paulos.

Ethiopian News Agency (E N A)

Int’l orgs, embassies, followers of EOC continue sending condolences

Addis Ababa, August 20,2012: Various international organizations, embassies and followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOC) residing in foreign countries have continued sending messages of condolence to the Church over the death of the EOC Patriarch Abune Paulos.

According to a statement the Church sent to ENA Monday, President of the European Union Commission José Manuel Barroso, Secretary-General of the World Conference for Religions of Peace (WCRP), Dr. William F, Vendley as well as All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) Secretary-General, Dr André Karamaga sent messages of condolence to the church.

Similarly, Egyptian and Mexican embassies to Ethiopia, conference of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church in North America, followers of the EOC in Sydney and Melbourne cities of Australia have sent similar messages.

Likewise, Debreselam Medhane Alem church in Torino, Italy, south, south ease and south west Europe diocese in Rome Italy, two religious institutions in Israel and Palestine have sent similar messages, among others.

Abune Paulos, who is the fifth Patriarch of EOC, passed away at the age of 76 last Wednesday. Funeral of the Patriarch will be held at the Church of the Holy Trinity here next Thursday.

Ethiopian News Agency (E N A)

Message of Condolence on the Passing of Patriarch Abune Paulos, Head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church

Etchmiadzin, August 18, 2012: On August 17, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, conveyed condolences to the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, to their clergy and to all the Ethiopian Orthodox Christians on the occasion of the death of Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The messages to the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church stated in part:

"Patriarch Abune Paulos of blessed memory shepherded the Ethiopian Orthodox faithful with great zeal and devotion for over two decades. Through his efforts, the Ethiopian Church made significant progress towards fostering and renewing the spiritual life of the Ethiopian Christians and contributed to the ecumenical and inter-religious dialogues.

The fraternal relations between the Ethiopian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic Churches were well manifested during various official visits and encounters. We witnessed his deep Christian love and piety during our personal meetings and dialogues.

…We pray that God eternal receives the soul of the blessed Patriarch in His Heavenly Kingdom; May the Holy Spirit grant consolation to the clergy and faithful flock of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church."

On August 23, a delegation of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church will participate in the burial service of Patriarch Abune Paulos.

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
18/8/2012

20120818

Message of condolences of the Patriarch of Romania at the passing away of Patriarch Abune Paulos Head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church

To His Grace Bishop MATTHEWOS Afeork Getaneh,
General Secretary of the Holly Synod,
Ethiopian Ortodox Church

Your Grace,

It is with deep Christian sorrow that we have learned of the passing away from this world of venerable Patriarch Abune Paulos, Head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

In these moments of grief, on behalf of the hierarchs, clergy and the faithful of the Romanian Orthodox Church we express our sympathy with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, praying to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to grant to the soul of Patriarch Abune Paulos a peaceful rest in the heavenly places.

May his memory be eternal!

† DANIEL
Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church

Source: BASILICA NEWS AGENCY (ROMANIAN PATRIARCHATE)

Ethiopian Pres. Girma expresses sadness over Patriarch’s death

Addis Ababa, August 17,2012: Ethiopian President Girma Woldegiorgis expressed sadness over the death of Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) Abune Paulos.
In his message of condolence on behalf of the government and the people of Ethiopia, the President said that the Patriarch carried out various activities to advocate peace and ensure well-being of millions of Ethiopians.
President Girma said the Patriarch worked to create close relation between Ethiopians and peoples of other countries and also to strengthen good neighbourliness and friendship .
Patriarch Abune Paulos was admired not only in Ethiopia but also across the world for his humanitarian work, he said.
The Patriarch had significantly contributed in the efforts to find peaceful solution to chaos occurred in different parts of the world in particular in Africa.
Abune Paulos also played key role in further strengthening tolerance among different religions in Ethiopia and also in the efforts to extricate the country from poverty.
The Patriarch’s role in promoting good images of the country was also significant, Girma said.
The President wished solace to the Ethiopian people in particular to the followers of the EOC, family and friends of the Patriarch.
Abune Paulos, who is the fifth Patriarch of EOC, passed away last Wednesday. His funeral will be held at the Church of the Holy Trinity here next Thursday.

Ethiopian News Agency (E N A)

Roman Pope Benedict XVI sends message of condolence to EOC

Addis Ababa, August 18,2012: Roman Pope Benedict XVI sent a message of condolence to the Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Church (EOC) upon hearing of the passing of Patriarch of the Church, Abune Paulos.
In his message, the Pope expressed his condolences to the clergy and faithful of the EOC.
Pope Benedict XVI also lauded commitment of the Patriarch to promoting greater unity through dialogue and cooperation between the Ethiopian Tewahedo Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.
The Patriarch had received the Nansen Medal for Africa by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and was also honored by the Vision for Generations for his leadership in the campaign to address HIV and AIDS in Ethiopia.
Abune Paulos, who is the fifth Patriarch of EOC, passed away at the age of 76 last Wednesday after following medical treatment in the country.
He had been Patriarch of the EOC since 1992 and also served as a president of the World Council of Churches.
Abune Paulos was born in Adwa, Tigray on 3 November 1935. His birth name was Gebremedhin Woldeyohannes.
The Patriarch studied at the Theological College of the Holy Trinity in Addis Ababa.
Later he was sent to study at the St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary and later undertook doctoral degree at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Funeral of Patriarch Abune Paulos will be held at the Church of the Holy Trinity here next Thursday.

Ethiopian News Agency (E N A)

20120817

Patriarch Abune Paulose will be laid to rest on Thursday at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa,August 17, 2012: It has been reported that the final resting place of the deceased Patriarch Abune Paulose will be at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. The funeral will be held on Thursday 23rd of August 2012. The Divine Liturgy will begin by 6 am and funeral rites are expected to start by 9 am.

Delegations from various Oriental, Eastern Orthodox Churches and ecumenical organizations are expected to attend the funeral ceremony. The Indian Orthodox church has confirmed that they will send a high level delegation to attend the funeral

The Holy Trinity Cathedral was built to commemorate Ethiopia’s liberation from Italian occupation. It is considered to be the second most important place of worship in Ethiopia, after the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in Axum.

The late Patriarch Abune Tekle Haimanot has been buried in churchyard.

The Cathedral also hold the tombs of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I and Her Imperial Majesty Empress Menen Asfaw, and other members of the Imperial Family. It is alos the final resting place of the British suffragette and anti-fascist activist Sylvia Pankhurst.

Source:
OCP News Service

WCC expresses sorrow over death of Abune Paulos

Geneva, August 16, 2012: Renowned Christian leader and World Council of Churches (WCC) president Abune Paulos, patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, passed away Thursday, 16 August, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Patriarch Abune Paulos was admired around the world for his work on HIV/AIDS, interfaith dialogue and the protection of refugees.

The patriarch has been seriously ill and was 76 years old.

WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit expressed deep sorrow over the patriarch’s death. He remembered Abune Paulos’s life and works, calling his contributions to the ecumenical movement “most significant”.

“His Holiness Abune Paulos’s role in promoting interfaith dialogue in Ethiopia, his home country, and beyond is a continuing legacy for the churches. Through his work he highlighted the concerns of women and youth, especially in regard to HIV andAIDS,” said Tveit.

He continued saying that “As a global fellowship of churches, we celebrate His Holiness’s great commitment to the ecumenical movement and his consistent efforts for Christian ministry, especially in supporting the marginalized.”

“Let us keep the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and its leadership in our prayers and support them in this time of loss, mourning and transition,” added Tveit.

Abune Paulos led the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, with more than 40 million members, as well as serving on the WCC Central Committee and the Commission on Faith and Order.

While he was instrumental in interfaith dialogue initiatives, Abune Paulos was vocal in several international platforms, including the World Economic Forum and the World Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders at the United Nations.

In recognition of his outstanding work for the welfare of refugees, in 2000 he was awarded the Nansen Medal for Africa by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This year, he was also honoured by the Vision for Generations for his 20 years of leadership in the campaign to address HIV and AIDS in Ethiopia.

http://www.oikoumene.org/en/news/news-management/eng/a/article/1634/wcc-expresses-sorrow-over.html

The condolence message of the Catholicose of the East to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on the Passing of His Holiness Abune Paulos

Devalokam (Kottayam, India): His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Paulose II, Catholicose-Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of the East (Indian Syrian Orthodox Church) sent his condolences to the holy synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church on the death of Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos of of Ethiopia.

Condolence message from Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia On Abune Paulos Passing

(MoFA August 17, 2012)- His Holiness, Abune Paulos, Fifth Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church, Ichege of the See of St. Tekle Haymanot, Archbishop of Axum and one of the seven serving Presidents of the World Council of Churches passed away today (August 16) due to an illness for which His Holiness had been receiving treatment for over the past week here in Addis Ababa.
Abune Paulos was born in 1935 in Adwa woreda of Tigray region, and entered the Abba Garima Monastery as a young boy to train as a deacon, eventually taking monastic orders and being ordained a priest.
He obtained his first degree in theology at the Trinity College in Addis Ababa, and subsequently studied for a second degree and his doctorate at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in the United States, and the Princeton Theological Seminary.
He returned to Ethiopia after the revolution in 1974, and was appointed a bishop before being arrested and spending several years in prison. Released in 1983 he went into exile where he was raised to the rank of Archbishop in 1986. After returning to Ethiopia again after 1991, he was enthroned as the Fifth Patriarch of the Ethiopian Tewahdo Orthodox Church in 1993.
Abune Paulos was a renowned scholar and peace advocate who worked on reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea. He made the Church one of the major relief organizations in the country and showed keen interest in youth, women's issues and the problem of HIV/AIDS.
He was the patron of the national program on HIV/AIDs. Abune Paulos received the Nansen Medal from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for his work for peace and humanitarian causes in 2000. Abune Paulos was a member of the central committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Faith and Order commission, and was elected as one of the seven Presidents of the World Council of Churches (Oriental Orthodox) in 2007. The Office of the Patriarch has indicated that the Holy Synod will hold an emergency session to decide on the date and place of the funeral ceremony.

Source:tigraionline

EOC Patriarch Abune Paulos dies

Addis Ababa August 16/2012 His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) has passed away, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church Patriarch Private Secretariat said.

The Patriarch, who is also President of World Council of Churches, passed away on Wednesday after following medical treatment in the country.

His Holiness Abune Paulos, is also World Peace Ambassador, was 76 years old. The fifth Patriarch of EOC was born Gebremedhin Woldeyohannes on 3 November 1935 in Adwa, Tigray.

He had been Patrick of EOC since 1992.

Ethiopian News Agency

20120816

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

20120815

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES FORMER LEBANESE PRESIDENT AMIN GEMAYEL

Antelias (Lebanon): Former President Amin Gemayel visits His Holiness Aram I, Tuesday 14 August 2012, Antelias

On Tuesday morning 14 August 2012, former President of Lebanon and leader of Phalange Party met with His Holiness Aram I.

During the two-hour meeting they discussed the situation in the Middle East, its challenges to Christians in the region, and issues of concern in Lebanon.

20120811

Coptic Orthodox Church reveals 17 candidates for papal seat

The Church has unveiled its longlist of bishops and monks competing to succeed Pope Shenouda III later this year

Ahram Online , Saturday 11 Aug 2012-

The acting head of Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Church has released details of the 17 candidates in the running to become the next pope, according to a report on Ahram's Arabic-language news website.
Bishop Bakhomious has been head of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria since the death of Pope Shenouda III in March. The election of the next pope is due to take place in autumn.

Seven of the the candidates named by the Church are bishops and 10 are monks.

According to church rules, the list will be whittled down from 17 to 7 from which the boards of the church's city councils will vote to pick three. The final choice will be made by a young child picking a name from a box.

Ahram lists the candidates as follows, with limited biographical details:

1. Bishop Bishoy: Secretary of the Holy Synod and the metropolitan of Damietta, Kafr El Sheikh, Babrary and the monastery of Saint Demiana

Born in 1942, Bishoy studied engineering before joining the monastic order. Ordained as a Bishop in 1972, he was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan in 1990.

2. Bishop Youannes: Former secretary of the late Pope Shenouda III and responsible for social services

A former student of medicine at the University of Assiut, Youannes was ordained as a Bishop in June 1993.

3. Bishop Boutros: General Bishop and Pope Shenouda III's personal secretary

Born in Sharqiya governorate in 1949, he has a degree in agricultural sciences and was ordained as a bishop in June 1985.

4. Bishop Tawadros: General Bishop of El Beheira

Born in 1952, he studied pharmacy at the University of Alexandria and was ordained in June 1997. Tawadros is a member of the Holy Synod.

5. Bishop Raphael: Auxiliary Bishop of Central Cairo and Heliopolis as well a former aide tolate Pope Shenouda III and member of the Holy Synod.

Born in Cairo in 1954 and a graduate from Ain Shams University's medical faculty, Raphael was ordained as a bishop in June 1997.

6. Bishop Bavnotius: Bishop of Samallout and Taha El Aaameda

Born in Cairo in 1948 and a member of the Holy Synod, this medical graduate was ordained as a bishop in June 1976.

7. Bishop Kyrillos: Bishop of Milan

Born in 1952 in Sohag governorate and a former engineering graduate, he was ordained in June 1986 before becoming Bishop of Milan in June 1996.

8. Father Anstasy El-Samuely

A monk at the monastery of St. Samuel in Minya. Born in 1939, he has a degree in commerce.

9. Father Maximos Anthony

Born in Alexandria in 1954, he serves at the monastery of St. Anthony in the Red Sea governorate. Holding a degreee in agriculture, he also has a diploma in icon restoration from the University of Moscow as well as one in museum administration from the United States.

10. Father Raphael Ava Mina

A monk at the monastery of Mar Mina in Alexandria, he was born in 1924 in Cairo and graduated in law from the University of Ain Shams.

11. Father Begul Anba Bishoy

A monk at the monastery of St. Bishoy in Wadi Natrun, he was born in 1951 and has a degree in mechanical engineering.

12. Father Shenouda Anba Bishoy

Also serving at St. Bishoy in Wadi Natrun, Shenouda was born in 1943 in Minya and holds a degree in religious studies.

13. Father Bishoy St. Paul

A monk at the monastery of St. Paul in Egypt's Red Sea governorate, he was born in 1964 in Mansoura. He holds a degree in agriculture from the University of Alexandria.

14. Father Sawiris St. Paul

Also at St. Paul's, Sawiris was born in Sharqiya governorate in 1959 and has a degree in religious studies.

15. Father Bakhomious El-Sorian

A monk at the monastery of Virgin Mary in Wadi Natrun. Father Bakhomious was born in Aswan in 1963 and has a joint-degree in science and education.

16. Father Daniel El-Sorian

Also at the monastery of Virgin Mary, he was born in Qena governorate in 1962 and holds degrees in science, education and Coptic studies from the University of Lyon.

17. Father Serafeem El-Sorian

The third contender from the Virgin Mary monastery, he was born in 1959 in Cairo and has a science degree from the University of Ain Shams.

Source: AhramOnline

20120801

Concern for Syrian Christians

The recent escalation of fighting in Syria and the spread of unrest to Homs, Aleppo ands Damascus, is putting the future of many ancient Christian communities in danger. The estimated 2.3 million Christians, who comprise around 10% of the population, have lived peacefully under the current government, which has encouraged good intercommunal relations between the diverse faiths. With support being given to the so-called Free Syrian Army by Saudi Arabia, there is concern that Christians will be targeted if the minority Shia Alawite regime falls.

Already some 80,000 Christians have been cleared from the homes in Hamidiya and Bustan al-Diwan in Homs province amid widescale destruction, which has now spread to Aleppo and Damascus, where there are large Christian communities. As the situation deteriorates the heads of churches have jointly called on their flocks to show love, reconciliation, forgiveness, cooperation and wisdom and to distance themselves from violence in all its aspects. Faced with a worsening situation they have urged their people to be patient, trust in God, prayer and fasting and to carry out acts of mercy towards the displaced and affected people.

The Syrian Orthodox Patriarch, Mar Ignatius Zakka I, is currently in Frankfurt recuperating from surgery, whilst many bishops and their flocks have been forced to leave in the face of considerable danger.
http://britishorthodox.org/glastonburyreview/issue-122-oriental-orthodox-church-news/

List of Syriac Orthodox Patriarchs of Antioch

1 St. Peter the Apostle 37-67
2 St. Evodius 67-68
3 St. Ignatios I Nurono (the Illuminator) 68-107
4 St. Heron 107-127
5 St. Korneilos 127-154
6 St. Heros 154-169
7 St. Theophilos 169-182
8 St. Maximos I 182-191
9 St. Seraphion 191-211
10 St. Ascelpiadis the Confessor 211-220
11 Philitus 220-231
12 Zbina 231-237
13 St. Babulas the Martyr 237-251
14 Fabius 254-551
15 S. Demetrianos 254-260
16 Paul I of Samosate 260-268
17 Domnus I 268-273
18 Timos 273-282
19 Cyrille I 283-303
20 Tyrannos 304-314
21 Vitalis 314-320
22 St. Philogone 320-323
23 Paulinos of Tyre 323-324
24 Ostatheous 324-337
The Arians took control of the See of Antioch and appointed the following Patriarchs
Eulalius 331-333
Euphornius 333-334
Philaclus 334-342
Stephanos 342-344
Leonce 344-357
Eudoxyos 358-359
Euzoios 360
25 Malatius 360-381
26 St. Flavin I 381-404
27 Porphyros 404-412
28 Alexander 412-417
29 Theodotos 417-428
30 John I 428-442
31 Domnus II 442-499
32 Maximos II 449-455

Maximos abdicated and the Chalcedonians seized control over the See of Antioch and appointed the following Patriarchs:
Basil 456-458
Aqaq 458-459
33 Martoros 459-468
34 Peter II the Fuller (Qassar 468-488
35 Bladius 488-498
36 Flavin II 498-512
37 St. Severius the Great 512-538
The Chalcedonians took control of the See of Antioch in 518 and sent Mor Severius to exile and appointed the following Patriarchs whose line continues in the Byzantine (Rum/Antiochene Orthodox) Patriarchate
Paul the Jew 518-521
Euphrosius 521-528
Ephrem of Amid 528-546
Six years after the death of Mor Severius, Sargius of Tella became the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch.
38 Sargius of Tella 544-546
During this turbulent time, the Holy See remained vacant for 4 years.
39 Paul II the Black of Alexandria 550-575
He was deposed in 575 for joining the Chalcedonians. The Holy See remained vacant for the next few years.
40 Peter III of Raqqa 581-591
41 Julian I 595-591
42 Athanasius I Gammolo 595-631
43 John II of the Sedre 631-648
44 Theodore 649-667
45 Severius II bar Masqeh 667-681
46 Athanasius II 683-686
47 Julian II 686-708
48 Elias I 709-723
49 Athanasius III 724-740
50 Iwanis I 740-754
After the death of Iwanis, two Patriarchs were appointed at the behest of the Caliph:
51 George I 758-790
52 Joseph 790-792
53 Quryaqos of Takrit 793-817
54 Dionysius I of Tellmahreh 817-845
55 John III 846-873
56 Ignatius II 878-883
57 Theodosius Romanos of Takrit 887-896
58 Dionysius II 897-909
59 John IV Qurzahli 910-922
60 Baselius I 923-935
61 John V 936-953
62 Iwanis II 954-957
63 Dionysius III 958-961
64 Abraham I 962-963
65 John VI Sarigta 965-985
66 Athanasius IV of Salah 986-1002
67 John VII bar `Abdun 1004-1033
68 Dionysius IV Yahya 1034-1044
Due to internal conflicts within the Church, the Holy See was vacant for the next few years.
69 John VIII 1049-1057
70 Athanasius V 1058 -1063
71 John IX bar Shushan 1063-1073
72 Baselius II 1074-1075
After the death of Baselius, John Abdun got himself appointed Patriarch and caused trouble in the Church. He was deposed but continued causing trouble until 1091
73 Dionysius V Lazaros 1077-1078
74 Iwanis III 1080-1082
75 Dionysius VI 1088-1090
76 Athanasius VI bar Khamoro 1091-1129
77 John X bar Mawdyono 1129-1137
78 Athanasius VII bar Qutreh 1138-1166
79 Michael I the Great 1166-1199
80 Athanasius VIII 1200-1207
81 John XI 1208-1220
82 Ignatius III David 1222-1252
83 John XII bar Ma`dani 1252-1263
84 Ignatius IV Yeshu 1264-1282
85 Philoxenos I Nemrud 1283-1292
86 Michael II 1292-1312
87 Michael III Yeshu 1312-1349
88 Baselius III Gabriel 1349-1387
89 Philoxenos II the Writer 1387-1421
90 Baselius IV Shem`un 1421-1444
91 Ignatius Behnam al-Hadli 1445-1454
92 Ignatius Khalaf 1455-1483
93 Ignatius John XIII 1483-1493
94 Ignatius Nuh of Lebanon 1493-1509
95 Ignatius Yeshu I 1509-1512
96 Ignatius Jacob I 1512-1517
97 Ignatius David I 1517-1520
98 Ignatius Abd-Allah I 1520-1557
99 Ignatius Ne`met Allah I 1557-1576
100 Ignatius David II Shah 1576-1591
101 Ignatius Pilate I 1591-1597
102 Ignatius Hadayat Allah 1597-1639
103 Ignatius Simon I 1640-1659
104 Ignatius Yeshu II Qamsheh 1659-1662
105 Ignatius Abdul Masih I 1662-1686
106 Ignatius George II 1687-1708
107 Ignatius Isaac Azar 1709-1722
108 Ignatius Shukr Allah II 1722-1745
109 Ignatius George III 1745-1768
110 Ignatius George IV 1768-1781
111 Ignatius Matthew 1782-1817
112 Ignatius Yunan 1817-1818
113 Ignatius George V 1819-1837
114 Ignatius Elias II 1838-1847
115 Ignatius Jacob II 1847-1871
116 Ignatius Peter IV 1872-1894
117 Ignatius Abdul Masih II 1895-1915
Patriarch Abdul Masih II was deposed by the Ottoman government in 1905; he was recognized by Orthodox Syriac Church of East as the lawful Patriarch until his death in 1915
118 Ignatius Abd Allah II 1906-1915
Rival Patriarch
119 Ignatius Elias III 1917-1932
120 Ignatius Afram I Barsoum 1933-1957
121 Ignatius Jacob III 1957-1980
122 Ignatius Zakka I Iwas 1980-

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