Don’t take freedom for granted says Ethiopian Archbishop

Members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church march through the streets of Cocoyea and San Fernando to commemorate Emancipation. Photo: Tony Howell

Radhica Sookraj
25/7/2011

Ethiopian Orthodox Archbishop Abuna Thaddeus, who has served in T&T for more than 40 years, has called on descendants of African slaves, not to take their freedom for granted. He was speaking as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church held its Emancipation parade through the streets of San Fernando yesterday. Thaddeus, who was appointed by Ethiopian King Haile Selassie to serve in T&T, told the congregation that God led the children of Israel into captivity after they began idol worship. Saying that citizens should give thanks for freedom, Thaddeus called on citizens to remember their forefathers for all the sacrifices that they made to preserve their heritage.

Meanwhile, Priest Kesgabre Yesus Nelson told the congregation that late planning was responsible for the reduced attendance at yesterday’s celebrations. He said he hoped Emancipation 2012 would be grander. Following the service, the congregation, led by Thaddeus, Nelson and founder Kes Garnette Springer, participated in a march through the streets of Cocoyea and San Fernando to commemorate Emancipation and the people of African descent.

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