The Ethiopian Holy Synod Reinstated 3 Archbishops and 20 Monks
ESG – OCP News Service – 30/03/2023
Addis Ababa- Ethiopia: The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church on Thursday, March 30, 2023, lifted the ex-communication that It had passed on three Archbishops and twenty monks for administering and receiving illegal episcopal ordinations.
The Holy Synod stated that though the transgressions were grave, It had lifted the ex-communications taking into consideration the unity of the Church, Its apostolic mission, and the peaceful existence of the faithful and servants. Hence, the three Archbishops (Abune Sawiros, Abune Ewostatewos, and Abune Zena Markos) that illegally appointed monks as “Episcopi” have been reinstated and will continue in their respective offices from today onwards, as they had accepted the deal brokered by the Ethiopian Prime Minister, His Excellency Abiy Ahmed Ali.
Likewise, the twenty monks – a majority of those that were ordained illegally and uncanonically because they had submitted written letters physically to the Secretariat of the Holy Synod (on March 20, 26, and 28, 2023) that reflected their agreement with the Church’s stand and the deal settled upon, the anathemas passed against them have been lifted and will be placed in positions respective of their previous offices and ranks. And to the rest former monks (five in number) who did not return to the Church yet and presented their letters, the Holy Synod urged that they accept the deal and return as the others before the window closes.
In addition, the Holy Synod stated that the promises made to release all those imprisoned while defending the legal rights of the Church during discussions with the Prime Minister and the President of Oromia Regional State (Shimelis Abdisa) were not fulfilled. Hence, the Holy Synod stressed that the imprisoned should be released immediately.
Lastly, the Holy Synod noted that all servants, from Archbishops to parish priests and the like, should be allowed to return to their respective Sees and posts without any security concerns with the aid of government officials per their responsibilities.
Sources: EOTC Broadcasting Service, Mahibere Kidusan Broadcast Service, and Tewahedo Media Center
