A Delegation of Peace Led by His Holiness Abune Mathias Visited Tigray

OCP News Service – 11/07/2023

Addis Ababa- Ethiopia: A delegation of peace led by His Holiness Abune Mathias the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church traveled to Mek’ele, Tigray on Monday, July 10, 2023.

The delegation of eighteen dignitaries delivered humanitarian aid, visited internally displaced refugees of war, and anticipated a dialogue with archbishops present in Tigray who had begun processes to ordain bishops by themselves, a matter that has created additional challenges to the Holy Synod and the Ethiopian Church at large.

The delegation when it arrived at Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mek’ele was welcomed by the Chief Administrator of the Interim Regional Administration of Tigray, Getachew Reda. His Holiness Abune Mathias thereafter presented a donation (of 20 Mil. Birr) sent by the Holy Synod of Ethiopia to the Interim Administration of Tigray to aid refugees of war.

Nevertheless, the archbishops present in Tigray, those who have created their own ‘See’ entitled ‘The See of Selama/Frumentius’ and threatened to ordain bishops by themselves, were not available for discussions, even closed the Cathedral of St. Michael wherein His Holiness and other archbishops of the peace delegation were supposed to be received. Hence, His Holiness and Their Graces were forced to pray before the closed doors of the church.

While the delegation visited refugees, they were faced with banners that accused the Ethiopian Church of being a “Genocider”, excerpts from different speeches of archbishops who are blamed for supporting the civil war, inquiries to be returned to displaced areas, and placards in support of the new ethnically motivated schismatics. Still, His Holiness reiterated that he was hopeful for peace.

The delegation returned to Addis Ababa on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

Sources:
– His Holiness’ Secretariat
– EOTC Public Relations
– Tewahedo Media Center
– Dimtsi Weyane