Deposed Eritrean Orthodox Church leader Abune Antonios dies at 94

Abune Antonios, a former leader of Eritrea’s Orthodox Church, has died at the age of 94, according to church officials in North America. He had been under house arrest for 16 years, a period marked by his critical stance toward the Eritrean government.

Abune Antonios was deposed as patriarch in 2006 after reportedly refusing a government request to excommunicate 3,000 members of a Sunday school movement. He had also spoken out about the arrest of priests, drawing the attention of authorities. His removal from leadership came amid growing tensions between the church and the state.

News of his death was announced by the North America diocese, which had been supporting him during his house arrest. The church continued to hold him on its premises, citing charity as the reason, though the government denied any involvement in his detention.

Analysts suggest that Abune Antonios’ deposition was part of a broader effort by the Eritrean government to exert greater control over the Orthodox Church. His critics within the church accused him of heresy and expelled him in 2009, thirteen years after his initial removal from leadership.

Supporters of Abune Antonios, including US-based Coptic Bishop Abune Makarios, accuse the government of interfering in church affairs. The government has denied these claims, maintaining that it respects religious institutions and their autonomy.

Abune Antonios is viewed by many Eritreans, both Christian and Muslim, in the diaspora as a symbol of resistance against the government’s alleged role in religious and human rights violations. His death has sparked renewed discussions about the relationship between the state and religious institutions in Eritrea.

There has been no official report from Eritrea regarding the former patriarch’s death, leaving many questions about the circumstances of his passing and the government’s response to his demise.

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