Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III of Malankara Visited Holy Immanuel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Berlin

OCP News Service – 30/03/2025

Berlin- Germany: On Saturday, March 29, 2025, H.H Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, visited the Holy Immanuel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Berlin. His visit followed an invitation extended by His Eminence Abune Dionysios, the Archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Germany and Its Surroundings, after the conclusion of dialogues between the Oriental Orthodox Churches in Germany (who were represented by His Eminence Archbishop Dionysios – Ethiopian Orthodox Church, His Eminence Metropolitan Abraham Stephanos – Malankara Orthodox Church, His Grace Bishop Serovpé Isakhanyan – Armenian Orthodox Church, and His Grace Bishop Anba Damian – Coptic Orthodox Church) and the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD).

His Holiness was warmly welcomed by Abune Dionysios, Melake Genet Abba Abraham the church’s rector and the congregation. The Primate held vespers prayer and addressed the clergy and faithful, offering benedictions. In his remarks, the Catholicos praised the rich history of the Ethiopian Church and expressed admiration for the deep affection that both clergy and congregants have for their faith. His Holiness highlighted the importance of strengthening the bond between the two fraternal Churches and referenced a recent delegation from the Malankara Church that had traveled to Ethiopia and disussed with His Holiness Abune Matthias, the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The Catholicos also referenced his previous visit to Ethiopia and spoke of the profound impact it had on him.

Accompanying His Holiness was His Eminence Abraham Stephanos, Metropolitan of UK, Europe, and Africa, who also addressed the congregation. He shared his experiences from a trip to Ethiopia, where he admired the ancient monasteries of Axum and Lalibela, as well as those in the islands of Lake Tana. He acknowledged the deep dedication of the clergy and faithful to their beliefs.

Metropolitan Stephanos emphasized the need for cooperation, particularly in fostering relationships, and sharing experiences among youth in the diaspora. His Eminence further noted that Ethiopian Orthodox students pursuing higher education in India were being supported by the Indian Orthodox Church in maintaining their faith and practices. He also mentioned the contributions of Indian Orthodox scholars serving in theological institutions in Ethiopia.

In closing, His Eminence Abune Dionysios expressed gratitude to His Holiness for accepting the invitation, highlighting that the Catholicos’ visit was a testament to his love and honor for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Sources:
– EOTC Germany Archdiocese
– EOTC TV