Former Eritrean Orthodox Leader Excommunicated and Accused of Heresy

Patriarch Abune Antonios, a former leader of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, has been excommunicated and accused of heresy by five senior bishops. The decision was announced in a statement on Wednesday, stripping him of his official authority within the church. The Eritrean Orthodox Church, a state-registered denomination, has seen significant political influence over its leadership since the patriarch’s removal in 2006.

Abune Antonios was deposed in 2006 for opposing government interference in church affairs and refusing to expel 3,000 members of the Church’s Sunday school movement. The bishops who led his excommunication stated that the EOC would continue to provide him with food and shelter despite his excommunication. However, in a video from April 2019, the patriarch described how his fellow clergy had abandoned him, neglecting his health and wellbeing.

Abune Antonios, who suffers from severe diabetes and high blood pressure, is currently living in the ‘servant’s quarters’ of a villa occupied by Bishop Lukas, who is believed to have ambitions of becoming patriarch, and another pro-government bishop. His removal in 2006 solidified government control over the EOC and led to a schism within the church.

On 18 July, the patriarch’s case was brought to international attention by Eritrean Gospel singer and former prisoner of conscience Helen Berhane, who raised it with President Trump. Later, the case was highlighted by Vice President Mike Pence, who stated that Abune Antonios had been in house arrest for 12 years due to his refusal to excommunicate critics of the government within his church.

Religious freedom charity Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas called for Abune Antonios’ unconditional release and reinstatement, urging sisterly Oriental Orthodox churches to visit him to ensure his wellbeing and facilitate healing within the church. The appeal also called on the international community to take urgent action.

Source: Read the original report