• 1ይ ሰንበት፥ ዘወረደ 

• 2ይ ሰንበት፣ ቅድስት 

• 3ይ ሰንበት፥ ምኲራብ 

• 4ይ ሰንበት፣ መጻጉዕ 

• 5ይ ሰንበት፥ ደብረ ዘይት 

• 6ይ ሰንበት፣ ገብር ሔር 

• 7ይ ሰንበት፥ ኒቆዲሞስ 

• 8ይ ሰንበት፣ ሆሣዕና 

• ዓርቢ ስቕለት 

• ትሣኤ 

• ዳግማይ ትንሣኤ

Remembering Abune Antonios: A Martyr of Faith and Justice

On the third anniversary of the passing of His Holiness Abune Antonios, the 3rd Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church, we honor his unwavering commitment to faith, justice, and religious freedom. Born in 1927, Abune Antonios was a spiritual leader who stood firm against government interference in church affairs, a stance that led to his wrongful removal from the patriarchal throne in 2007 by the Eritrean government.

Despite being unjustly deposed and placed under house arrest for 16 years, he remained steadfast in his faith, refusing to comply with state directives that contradicted the autonomy of the Church. In 2019, he was falsely accused of heresy and officially excommunicated by a synod under governmental influence. His refusal to excommunicate 3,000 parishioners and his vocal opposition to the imprisonment of fellow Christians marked him as a symbol of resistance against oppression.

Denied adequate medical care and the right to return to monastic life, Abune Antonios endured immense suffering until his passing on February 9, 2022. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy as a martyr for religious freedom continues to inspire Eritreans and believers worldwide. His burial at Abune Andreas Monastery was attended by many who traveled long distances to pay their respects, demonstrating the deep love and reverence held for him.

International bodies, including the United Nations and religious organizations, called for his release, but their pleas went unheard. His story remains a powerful testament to the ongoing struggle for human rights and religious freedom in Eritrea.

As we remember Abune Antonios, we celebrate his courage, faith, and unwavering commitment to truth. May his legacy continue to guide and inspire future generations in the pursuit of justice and spiritual resilience. May his soul rest in eternal peace.