“Disagreement has proliferated; discord and strife have taken root; everything seems confusing and chaotic. The problem has escalated beyond the populace, targeting places of worship and those who practice their faith, revealing a growing trend of defying God”.

The Holy Synod has convened.

The Holy Synod, tasked with advising and making decisions on the universal service and performance of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, has begun its regular annual assembly today.

His Holiness Abune Matthias I, Patriarch and Catholicos of All Ethiopia, Archbishop of Aksum and Ichege of the Seat of St. Takla Haymanot, delivered a message marking the opening of the assembly.

From his message:

“Human beings, while living in this world, can have complete peace and a taste of life only if they have found something better in their spiritual lives.

Humans, being created with both physical and spiritual aspects, unlike angels who are pure spirit, need things for their life and physical needs.

Therefore, a well-ordered secular administration is necessary to provide for them; and as a servant appointed to fulfill the divine mission, the secular administration is expected to guide the people of God correctly.

Whatever responsibility one has received is from God, and in all that one does, one must consult the Almighty.

As we are God’s representatives in this world, we have the responsibility to teach and advise secular leaders, whether they listen or not.

When we fulfill this mutual responsibility according to the will of God, the peace and blessing, love and unity, progress and development of the people will be securely guaranteed.

However, what is happening in our country and in our region at present is not this; disagreement has proliferated, discord and strife have taken root; everything seems confusing and chaotic.

The problem has escalated beyond the populace, targeting places of worship and those who practice their faith, revealing a growing trend of defying God; this cannot be a sign of progress for any nation or people, but rather a reason for their downfall.

Most sadly, this evil act is being perpetrated by our own children, by Ethiopians; therefore, our children, wherever you may be, in the city, in the forest, or in the countryside, refrain from harming your country and people, no matter what.

In particular, we beg you priests and civil servants who serve the Church and the country, and the people, please raise your hands; the Church is the mother of all of you and of the people; how have you become accustomed to oppressing your mother? Repent now, enough is enough.

Know that it is not good to quarrel with God; stop harming people and defying God; do not desecrate the sacred order of worship, which is God’s money; allow resolving your issues peacefully.

This is the timely message we convey in the name of God to all our Ethiopian brothers and children.”