Former Prime Minister Responsible for Splitting the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Sought Forgiveness from Patriarch Abune Merkorios

Solomon Kibriye (Editor – Ethiopian Affairs) – OCP News Service – 04/08/18
Special Courtesy – Archdeacon Tesfa Mikael Williams (News Editor – Ethiopian Affairs)

Addis Ababa- Ethiopia: In a stunning and historic development, former Prime Minister Tamrat Layne came to the Patriarchate in Addis Ababa and bowed down before His Holiness Patriarch Abune Merkorios and kissed his knee and asked for forgiveness for his role in removing him from the Patriarchal throne two and a half decades ago.

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Tamirat Layne was the Prime Minister in the Transitional Government set during the aftermath of the fall of the Derg and formation of EPRDF. He now freely admits that under the direction of his party leadership, he was the one who coerced Patriarch Merkorios to step down from the throne, and flee the country in a cargo truck bound for Kenya.

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The former Prime Minister however soon fell foul of the governing party and was imprisoned for corruption and other misdeeds. It was in prison that he regreted for his actions (chief of which was his role in spliting the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church).
Tamirat Layne became an Evangelical Protestant Minister after his release from the prison. He stated that his biggest wish was to make amends and try his level best to heal the schism that he had helped to create.

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It was therefore a remarkable sight today to see a “Born Again” Pastor and former Prime Minister bow down before Patriarch Abune Merkorios to seek the Prelates forgiveness. Afterwards, the two posed for an amazing photograph which no one would ever have predicted to happen.

Source:
OCP News Service