Many of you will recall earlier this year I alerted you about an issue of great concern. Abune Antonios, who is the rightful patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Church (which shares communion with our own Armenian Orthodox Church) has been under house arrest since January 2006.

Today my Coptic friend sent me this information from Tewahdo.org - the website of the Eritrean Orthodox Church Diocese of North America.

"Delegation of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, Diocese of North America met His Holiness Karekin II, Patriarch and Catholicos of Armenia on October 26-27, 2007 in Minnesota, MN. At the meeting, the Diocese’s Delegation briefed H.H. Karekin II and conference participants the current situation of the Eritrean Orthodox Church.

His Holiness Karekin II articulated to the delegation of the Diocese how dismayed he is by the unlawful removal of H. H. Antonious, the legal Patriarch of Eritrea.

Furthermore, His Holiness Karekin II encouraged the delegation that the Armenian Church recognizes no other Patriarch but His Holiness Patriarch Antonious, the legal Patriarch of Eritrea. His Holiness promised that in accord to the Canon and Law of the Church, he will do his best to reverse the unlawful removal of the legal Patriarch H. H. Antonious.

His Holiness, Patriarch Karekin II reiterated that the Armenian Church remains by the Diocese’s stand and will remember H.H. Patriarch Antonious in its prayer."

To this very day, His Holiness Abune Antonios, true patriarch of the true Orthodox Tewahedo Church of Jesus Christ in Eritrea, is still under house arrest and "officially" deposed by the tyranical government of Eritrea. Please pray for His Holiness and also for those who persecute the Church.

Also, you can visit Amnesty International, where they have an Online Action Center for you to express your concern for the well-being of Abune Antonios. 

Please pray and take action.