Bishop Anba Abakir consecrates first Eritrean Orthodox church in northern Sweden

Deacon Haben D. Mebrahtom
OCP News Service – Sweden
10/11/14

Stockholm: His Grace Anba Abakir the Bishop of Coptic Orthodox church in Scandinavian countries visited Skellefteå to officially inaugurate the Eritrean Orthodox congregation. The opening ceremony was organized in Sörbölekyrkan and was led by the Bishop and priests from Eritrean Orthodox Church communities in Sweden.

Bishop Abakir consecrated the holy Altar in the name of Archangel Gabriel. This church is the first Orthodox Church to be established in the northern part of Sweden. The opening ceremony was a great event that lasted for two days. The festivities were held along with liturgical service and songs. Several faithful from the Church of Sweden attended the ceremony.

A major part of the Eritrean Orthodox Church has become captive under the Eritrean government. The canonical Patriarch Abune Antonios is held under house arrest since 2007, in the capital city of Asmara. The faithful and hierarchy of the Eritrean church are distributed between Pro-government and anti-government supporters in the diaspora. The Eritrean orthodox church in Sweden remains under the spiritual leadership of the Coptic Church. Since 2012, the Eritrean Orthodox community has made considerable progress in Sweden. There are several programmes implemented for the younger generation to learn their faith and culture.

Source:
OCP News Service