Abba Tesfamariam Welderufael of St Andrews Monastery Arrested and Imprisoned
Abba Tesfamariam Welderufael
OCP News Service – 26/08/2023
Asmara – Eritrea: Various reports from Eritrea reported that the abbot of St Andrews Monastery (St. Endiryas monastery), Abba Tesfamariam Welderufael was arrested by government authorities and was transferred to prison. It is said that the arrest happened two weeks ago.
Martyr Abune Antonios the Great of Eritrea was a member of the St Andrews Monastery and was entombed in the premises of the same monastery. Abba Tesfamariam Welderufael led the burial service as the abbot of the St Andrews Monastery. Abba was close to Abune Antonios and was responsible for looking after him since his house arrest. This arrest added to 20-30 monks who were already imprisoned in Eritrea.
The reasons behind the arrest are said to include:
- The synod (in Asmara) is trying to reunite the monastery back under their rule, at the same time the monastic fathers of St Andrews Monastery declined the move. In addition the demand of recognizing Abune Antonios as a martyr was declined.
- It is also said that the Eritrean Orthodox Church is planning to ordain a patriarch as the successor of the late Abune Kerlos (Cyril) to which St Andrews Monastery declined their participation.
- In addition great number of pilgrims and the huge number of faithful who joined the funeral of Martyr Abune Antonios has triggered towards this arrest.
The arrest is clear evidence of injustice by Eritrea towards the monks and monasteries who don’t follow the demands of the dictatorial state and synod that support the same. It has to be noted that such moves by the state hinder the peace negotiations and talks that are led by Coptic Orthodox Church.
Source:
OCP News Service
