Patriarch Abune Mathias of Ethiopia to Visit Egypt for the First time

His Holiness Abune Mathias I – Sixth Patriarch and Catholicos of Ethiopia – Archbishop of Axum and Ichege of the See of Saint Taklehaimanot (left) and His Holiness Tawadros II – 118th Pope of Alexandria & Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy See of St. Mark the Evangelist of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria (Right)

John Anton (OCP Special Delegate in Cairo)
OCP News Service

Cairo: A high level delegation of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo  Church led by Patriarch Abune Mathias will visit Egypt on Saturday (10/1/15) on the invitation of Pope Tawadros of Alexandria. This is the first Apostolic Visit of Patriarch Abune Mathias to the Coptic Patriarchate.

These two Ancient Churches of the Oriental Orthodox family has historic relation between them. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo  Church was ruled by the Coptic Patriarch until the 20th century. The Autocephalous status was granted by the Alexandrian Papacy to the Church of Ethiopia in 1959.

Both Churches have played significant role in the negotiations between both countries regarding the Grand Renaissance Dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile.

A few weeks back Pope Tawadros announced that the construction of the dam
Won’t not harm anyone’s interest while talking to a high level delegation from Ethiopia.

Experts suggest that the role of Churches in the negotiation is considered to be vital as people trust religious leaders more than politicians.

Source:
OCP News Service