Eritrean Patriarch Abune Antonios Deposed and Dies in Custody

Abune Antonios, the former Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, was removed from his position in 2006 after protesting government interference in church affairs. The Eritrean Department of Religious Affairs had been involved in the church’s internal matters, prompting Antonios to speak out. His annual Nativity message was not broadcast in 2005, and the Holy Synod convened later that year with the goal of stripping him of executive authority. Despite being permitted to conduct church services, he was barred from administrative roles.

Accusations against Antonios included his hesitation to excommunicate members of the Medhane Alem, an Orthodox Sunday School movement, and his advocacy for the release of Christians imprisoned on treason charges. In January 2006, he was officially removed as head of the Eritrean Orthodox Church and placed under house arrest. The government installed Bishop Dioscoros of Mendefera as the new Patriarch on May 27, 2007, the same day Antonios was forcibly taken from his home and moved to an undisclosed location. He was cut off from communication and reportedly denied medical care.

Antonios died in custody on February 9, 2022, at the age of 94. His death occurred while he was held in an unknown location, with no public information provided about the circumstances of his detention or the conditions of his imprisonment. The Eritrean Orthodox Church, which he led for over two decades, has more than two million adherents.

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission has documented these events as part of its efforts to monitor human rights issues in Eritrea. The Commission highlights the restrictions placed on religious freedom and the treatment of religious leaders within the country. The case of Abune Antonios is seen as an example of the challenges faced by religious figures who challenge government policies.

The story of Abune Antonios reflects the struggle for religious freedom and the impact of political control on church leadership. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the vulnerable and upholding justice, as seen in Micah 6:8, which calls for action rooted in justice, mercy, and humility.

Source: Read the original report