Special Prayer Vigil for Patriarch Antonios, Prisoner of Conscience
15/7/2010
The Eritrean Orthodox Church – Archdiocese of North America – is organizing a special prayer for His Holiness Abune Antonios, Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church. Abune Antonios remains under the most stringent house arrest since January 2006. The event will take place in a special Holy Liturgy on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Archangels Greek Orthodox Church, 1527 Bedford Street Stamford, CT- 06905
According to sources in the archdiocese, the special prayer will be offered for the canonically legitimate patriarch and the other church fathers that have remained in prison for the past six years without being charged with any criminal offenses. No one knows the whereabouts of the patriarch and the thousands of prisoners of conscience in Eritrea, as they have never been visited by either the International Red Cross or family members.
The special prayer will be attended by His Eminence Bishop Seraphim, Metropolitan of the British Orthodox Church. Metropolitan Seraphim has been an unwavering champion of Patriarch Antonios’ cause and that of all the other persecuted Christians in Eritrea. In addition, H. G. Bishop Mekarios, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Archdiocese of North America and that of the Eritrean Orthodox Church (North America Archdiocese), as well as H.G. Bishop David, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Archdiocese of North America, will be present. Many Eritrean priests, deacons and laity from across North America are expected to take part in this special prayer.
