An imprisoned church leader in Eritrea is in desperate need of medical attention as he is diabetic and his health is rapidly deteriorating without treatment. Patriarch Antonios, head of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, was detained for asking the government to stop interfering with the church and to release members of his church who have been held in prison for their faith (for more information on his arrest, click here). "It is a miracle that he remains alive without medical care," said an Eritrean Orthodox priest in the United States.
Since 2002, the government has jailed, tortured and killed numerous Eritreans for political and religious reasons, and tortured and killed many of them extra-judicially. Today, it is estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 Christians are in Eritrean prisons. Believers face deplorable conditions, including torture. Many are held in metal shipping containers with no ventilation or toilet facilities.
Please pray that the Lord will continue to protect Patriarch Antonios' health, astounding those who imprison him and causing authorities to recognize the one true God. Pray that imprisoned Eritrean Christians will exemplify the love of God through consistent love and prayer for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:43-48).
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Eritrea, go to the Eritrea Country Report.
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