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)