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Abuna Antonios, deposed Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church
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Abuna Antonios, patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, has been removed of his duties by a congress of the Holy Synod convened on August 7. According to an August 23 report from Compass Direct, the synod presented six accusations that he was "an obstacle in the work of the Holy Christian Church." The charges were brought against him by Yeftehe Dimetros, a layman appointed by the government as administrator of the Orthodox Church. The list of charges included his reluctance to excommunicate 3000 members of Medhane Alem, an Orthodox Sunday School movement. Also stated was his request that the government release some imprisoned Christian "traitors."
Elected only seventeen months ago, Antonios actively challenged government interference in church affairs. Dimetros' position as administrator goes against the centuries-old canons of the Orthodox Church which require a bishop to serve as administrator. Further interference is evident with reports that the government intends to announce the election of a new patriarch shortly.
Government antagonism against Christianity is particularly blatant in its actions toward evangelicals. Over 1000 Christians are reportedly detained by the Eritrean authorities at present; many facing torture and abuse.
Compass Direct has recently been able to confirm the whereabouts of some of the pastors presently detained. Pastors Kidane Gebremeskel and Fanuel Mihreteab have been recently relocated to the Sembel Prison, which normally holds those under high court review. There is no information on whether any charges have ever been filed against them.
Pastor Abraham Belay, arrested in January, has reportedly been transferred to Adi-Abeto. Rema Church pastor, Habteab Oqbamichael, was released from custody last week. He was warned that he would be executed if he is involved in any further religious activities. Kale Hiwot pastor Oqbamichael Haimanot suffered a mental breakdown three months ago. He is reportedly in very poor health and continues to face hard labour for refusing to renounce his faith. Evangelist Girmaye Ambaye has been held in Asmara Police Station No. 1 since his arrest in May. He continues to share his faith despite the harsh treatment he is facing.
Pray for those facing opposition, especially those facing torture in prisons and military training camps. Pray for the continued spread of the Gospel, despite opposition.
For more information on terrible circumstances faced by Christians in Eritrea, click here. Video reports filmed on location in Eritrea are available through VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.
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