Ethiopian history books
Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Permanent Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has released an official statement regarding the return of three Archbishops to Ethiopia for the annual Holy Synod General Assembly.
Ethiopian history books
According to the Synod, the bishops—His Grace Abune Petros (PhD), Secretary of the Holy Synod and Archbishop of the New York and surrounding dioceses; His Grace Abune Theophilos (PhD), Archbishop of the Northern California and surrounding dioceses; and His Grace Abune Yacob, Archbishop of the Georgia and surrounding dioceses—had submitted a formal request through the Synod to return to Ethiopia in order to participate in the assembly.
The statement highlights the government’s role in facilitating their return, noting, “As seen in the government’s recent remarks affirming its commitment to strengthening national institutions, it has recognized that dialogue is the most constructive path toward peace and preserving the historic identity of our Holy Church. As such, it has granted permission for the three archbishops to re-enter the country and attend the Synod.”
Ethiopian history books
The Synod expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian government, stating, “We extend our sincere gratitude to the government for its positive response to our Church’s request, for allowing the three archbishops to return, and for taking practical steps in support of the Church.”
Furthermore, the Synod reaffirmed its dedication to collaboration with national authorities, declaring, “We are committed to working together to strengthen our relationship in service to our country and people, so that lasting peace may prevail in the land God has entrusted to us—the land where our forefathers built the Church.”
The statement comes in the context of a notable incident earlier this year. In February 2024, Ethiopian security forces deported His Grace Archbishop Abune Petros upon his arrival at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. The Archbishop, who had traveled from the United States for a Church service with prior authorization from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Patriarchate, was denied entry and sent back abroad—an action that drew attention within the Church and among its followers worldwide.
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