Invitation to the Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness Abune Merkorios

March 13, 2015

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

Press Release

RE: Invitation to the Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness Abune Merkorios Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Inauguration of the New Patriarchate Head Office

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

On behalf of the EOTC Holy Synod, It is our honor to extend the invitation to you to make your blessing presence in our celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness Abune Merkorios Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the inauguration of the New Patriarchate Head Office that will be held on May2, 2015. It would be our honor if you are able to grace our occasion with your presence. The event comprises of lots of activities and your presence is important to make it successful.

His Holiness Abune Merkorios, Patriarch
The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church-in-Exile

The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Exile, led by the auspices of His Holiness Abune Merkorios, the legitimate Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, has been instrumental in the expansion and consolidation of the Orthodox faith throughout the Ethiopian Orthodox communities for more than two decades, while helping the faithful build new churches, strengthen their unity, providing essential religious services including, but not limited to, administration of the Holy Sacraments, organizing children and youth, and spreading the teachings of the Church across the globe.

The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Exile oversees more than 65 affiliated parish churches located in several countries across Europe, North America, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. In compliance with the divine mission to fulfill the spiritual vocation of the Church, His Holiness, Archbishops, and clergy members have diligently served, during the past two decades, the prime work of the Lord, advancing the ideals of peace, harmony, unity and fellowship. This collaborative effort enables us to equip the faithful with spiritual serenity, and embrace hope of salvation with faith that works through love. In this connection, the all-encompassing mission of the Holy Synod has been to engage in sacred activities that not only serve the spiritual needs of the faithful, but also establish historical milestone through which personal integrity and national pride can be realized and nurtured for generations to come.

The Holy Synod is concurrently organizing two major events on Saturday, May 2, 2015 in Washington, D.C. As such, the Holy Synod has formed a coordinating committee that is working feverishly on the detail plans and preparation for the event in the nation’s capital. We are delighted to cordially invite you to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Holiness Abune Merkorios Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the inauguration of the New Patriarchate Head Office. This historic event will take place on the campus of The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20064. While His Holiness’ 25th anniversary is indeed the pinnacle of the celebration, the inauguration of the new Patriarchate Head Office will be equally vital, especially considering the time and efforts put by those who helped bring it into fruition. Without any doubt in mind, the significance of having a centralized office, with the potential it furnishes for the growth and strength of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, would considerably enhance our future destiny.

We look forward to have your gracious presence with us at this magnificent event!

May God bless you!

Sincerely,

Komos Abba Tsigedengel Degefaw General Manager of the Patriarchate Head Office