Tewahedo Media Center - English

26/05/2026

His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Axum, and Echege of the See of St. Teklehaimanot, attended the consecration ceremony of the newly constructed church building of St. Covenant of Mercy Church in Legetafo, under the Sheger City Diocese. His Holiness delivered a message of blessing and bestowed his benediction upon the faithful.

22/05/2026

Statement of the Coptic Orthodox Church Holy Synod Meeting
(Friday, May 22, 2026)

On the morning of Friday, May 22, 2026, the Holy Synod of our Coptic Orthodox Church convened, led by H.H. Pope Tawadros II, in its customary annual meeting, with the attendance of 119 members of the Synod, while a number of members submitted their apologies due to health reasons. This came after the ten synodal committees held their meetings, and the recommendations that were discussed were presented to the General Secretariat Committee, in preparation for being presented to the official session of the Synod.

- First: During the meeting, the members of the Synod discussed and approved several recommendations concerning ecclesiastical administration in a number of pastoral, liturgical, and administrative matters.

- Second: The Synod addressed the draft Egyptian Personal Status Law for the Christian family and expressed several observations, which were recorded and submitted to the House of Representatives in preparation for the approval of the law, which will constitute a true achievement credited to the political leadership and the Egyptian Parliament.

- Third: The importance of celebrating the Feast of the Lord Jesus Christ’s Entry into Egypt was affirmed. This feast is celebrated internationally under the name “Global Coptic Day,” a beloved occasion that the Coptic Church has celebrated for twenty centuries.

- Fourth: The Holy Synod approved in its meeting:
1. The canonization (declaration of sainthood) of the late Metropolitan Sarapamon of Khartoum and Omdurman of blessed memory, who reposed in 1935, as well as the late Hegumen Fr. Mikhail Ibrahim of blessed memory, priest of Saint Mark Church in Shoubra, who reposed in 1975.
2. The recognition of the restoration of monastic life to St. George’s Monastery (Deir El-Magma‘) in the Diocese of Naqada and Qus.
3. The recognition of Saint Mary & Pope Kyrillos VI Monastery in the Diocese of New York & New England, USA.

- Fifth: The members of the Holy Synod decided to resume theological dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church following the assurances that blessings would not be granted to same-sex unions, as stated during the telephone call between H.H. Pope Tawadros II and H.H. Pope Leo XIV on Friday, May 15 of the current month.

- Sixth: The Holy Synod commended the convening of the Conference of the Dioceses of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Europe, America, and Australia, held at the Coptic Cathedral in Venice, Italy (May 2026), over the course of four days, to establish a vision and plan for serving the Coptic Church and her children abroad through the year 2050, with the participation of 30 metropolitans and bishops of the Church.

- Seventh: Since the bylaws of the Holy Synod were established 41 years ago, and many developments and changes have taken place during this period, the members of the Holy Synod agreed to update these bylaws in a manner suitable to the service and expansion of the Church. A timeline was also established for the participation of all Synod members in this update.

- Eighth: We pray from the depths of our hearts for the conflicts and wars sweeping across many regions of the world, and that the Lord may grant His peace throughout the whole world.

- Ninth: We appeal to everyone not to pay attention to malicious lies and rumors in all forms, which aim to create doubt, spread division, and destabilize society.

We also take this opportunity, on behalf of H.H. Pope Tawadros II and the members of the Holy Synod, to congratulate our Muslim brethren in our beloved Egypt and throughout the world on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, praying for the continued peace and stability of our dear homeland Egypt, under the leadership of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Peace and edification to the Church of God.
Friday, May 22, 2026 AD, Bashans 14, 1742 AM

21/05/2026

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20/05/2026

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God:

On this day, Ginbot 12 (May 20), occurred the translation of the holy relics of the righteous and new apostle, the light of Ethiopia, Abune Tekle Haymanot.

Glory be to God, and may He protect us through the covenant and intercession of our righteous father.”

19/05/2026

Today, On 19 May 2026, His Holiness Baslios Marthoma Matthews, Patriarch of Indian Orthodox Church Inaugurated the Global Conference of Malankara Orthodox Clergy Association in Parumala Seminary.

17/05/2026

In the Sheger City Diocese, more than 29 new believers received the sonship of the Holy Trinity after being taught in their own language.

May 17, 2026 (TMC/ Addis Ababa)

At Jemo Debre Birhan Abune Teklehaimanot Church, located under Furi Sub-City in the Sheger City Diocese, 29 new believers who had been following Gospel teachings in their own language received the sacrament of baptism today. The baptism was administered by His Eminence , the Chief Administrator of the Patriarchate office and Archbishop of the South West Shewa and Sheger City Dioceses. Through this holy baptism, they became children of the Holy Trinity.

In related news, His Eminence also ordained 25 disciples into the ranks of the clergy and elevated 18 deacons to the rank of priesthood.

17/05/2026

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church – See of Cilicia, will make his first official visit to Pope Leo XIV. The Vatican said the private meeting will be followed by prayer in the Urban VIII Chapel. Aram I will also meet officials from the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and other Curia offices. On May 19, he will deliver a public lecture on Middle East Church challenges.

17/05/2026

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church South West Shewa Diocese, in partnership with the Mahibere Kidusan, has graduated 15 disciples who will serve the Church in Afaan Oromo.

16/05/2026

Very Rev. Raban Dayroyo Youhanon Habil, together with the students of the "Faith and Life" course organized by our Syriac Orthodox clerical institute, Mar Ignatius, in cooperation with St. Thomas Church in Södertälje, today visited our sister Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Norsborg, Sweden. There, we took part in the Eucharistic celebration and afterwards attended the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, which was completed for one of the sons and one of the daughters of this blessed parish. Following the service, everyone gathered together for a meal of love graciously prepared by the parish for the occasion.

The visit offered all of us a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with the Ethiopian Church, its liturgical rite, and aspects of the rich Ethiopian heritage. The reverend fathers kindly and graciously answered every question we put to them.

Our sincere thanks go to the reverend fathers Abati and Hailamariam for their love and the warm reception extended to the Syriac delegation.

Via - Oriental Orthodoxy

14/05/2026

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, One God.

Statement Issued by the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

The assembly of the people of God — our Holy Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which is the Body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit — being synodal in nature, follows the canon established by the holy fathers in the Synod of Antioch, which states: “Let there be a Synod of Bishops twice a year.” Accordingly, the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, guided by the Holy Spirit and inheritor of the Apostolic Throne, conducted its plenary council of clergy in the unity of the Holy Spirit from Miyazya 28 to Ginbot 6, 2018 E.C. (Ethiopian Calendar).

The plenary assembly held extensive discussions concerning national peace, the unity of the Church, the salvation and dignity of all humanity, and other current issues, and passed resolutions appropriate to the times. Among the decisions made are the following:

Since safeguarding and preserving the unity of the Church is the duty of the Holy Synod, the Synod resolved that the “Committee for National Peace and Church Unity,” established by the plenary council and led by Their Graces the Archbishops, should continue and strengthen its work so that the ancient and apostolic Church may remain preserved in the unity and sovereignty in which it was received.

The Holy Synod emphasized that the Seventh National Election should be conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner and concluded in a way that contributes to national peace and the unity of the people. The Church continues to pray for this process so that it may bring lasting peace and stability to Ethiopians.

His Grace Abune Elsa was appointed as the permanent Archbishop of the Arsi Diocese, with the responsibility of comforting the faithful and, together with the Standing Synod and the Peace Committee led by senior bishops, seeking lasting solutions to the challenges facing the region through dialogue with the relevant government authorities.

The historic magazine previously published under the title “Holy Synod” will continue publication under the administration of the Holy Synod Office, including canonical decisions of the Synod.

Since examining and approving the Church’s regulations and directives is the sovereign authority of the Holy Synod:

* The regulation concerning the implementation of the Apostolic Mission of Evangelism will proceed under the chairmanship of His Grace Abune Markos.
* The regulation concerning the administration of the Association of Unity Monasteries will be reviewed again in the presence of His Grace Abune Qalementos and His Grace Abune Markos.
* Other proposed regulations will be revised by scholars and legal experts and presented to the plenary assembly in Tikimt 2019 E.C. for final decision.

The Holy Synod also decided that the publishing and distribution rights of the books authored by the late Archbishop of Shewa Diocese, His Grace Abune Gorgorios Kal’e, namely “Church History on the World Stage” and “History of the Ethiopian Church,” shall belong to Zwai Hamere Berhan St. Gabriel Monastery beginning from Miyazya 29, 2018 E.C.

Based on studies and verification reports submitted from various dioceses, the Synod resolved that:

* The Diocese of South Sudan shall be merged with the East Africa Diocese and administered by His Grace Abune Matewos.
* His Grace Abune Rafael shall oversee only the Gambella and Benishangul-Gumuz dioceses.
* His Grace Abune Estifanos, Archbishop of Jimma Diocese, shall continue overseeing the North Gondar Diocese.
* His Grace Abune Ephrem, Archbishop of Buno Bedele Diocese, shall also oversee the Qellem Wollega Diocese.
* The request for Konta Zone to become an independent diocese was approved, and it shall be organized independently under the leadership of His Grace Abune Timothewos.

The plenary council highly commended the development activities undertaken by the Patriarchate General Administration Office and praised the outstanding leadership and achievements of His Grace Abune Sawiros, Chief Administrator of the Patriarchate and Archbishop of Southwest Shewa and Sheger City dioceses. His accomplishments were recognized as exemplary, beneficial to the Holy Church, and instrumental in preserving its sovereignty and honor.

Accordingly, the Holy Synod strongly urged that the following initiatives under the leadership of the Chief Administrator continue with greater strength:

* The digitization and organization of the Church’s historical documents.
* The ongoing distribution of numerous books stored in warehouses since 1970 E.C.
* The implementation of modern information and communication technologies throughout all levels of the Church’s structure.
* The timely completion of building projects and development works under the Patriarchate Administration through the cooperation of all dioceses and stakeholders.

The Holy Synod also resolved that the spiritual college and traditional church education system at Hohete Semay St. John the Baptist and St. Arsema Monastery in the Northern California, Nevada, and Arizona Diocese in North America should continue strengthening its curriculum while faithfully preserving the Church’s doctrine, canon law, history, and tradition, with proper institutional accountability.

The plenary council approved the Patriarchate General Administration Office’s 2019 E.C. budget and resolved that it be implemented appropriately.

Finally, the Holy Synod stated that its principal concern throughout the discussions led by the Holy Spirit was the preservation of the Church’s holistic growth and institutional existence. The Synod expressed deep concern over the conflicts and lack of peace currently affecting not only Ethiopia but the entire world.

Therefore, remembering world peace, the peace of our country, the salvation of humanity, and Orthodox Christians suffering persecution and conflict in various places because of their faith, the Holy Synod resolved that prayers of supplication be offered during the upcoming Fast of the Apostles in all Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo monasteries, cathedrals, and parish churches throughout the world.

The Holy Synod also issued an apostolic appeal urging the relevant authorities to ensure that Ethiopian citizens living throughout the world, especially in South Africa and Saudi Arabia, have their human rights respected and receive mercy, compassion, and justice.

After conducting its canonical assembly for seven days, the Holy Synod concluded its session today, Ginbot 6, 2018 E.C., with prayer.

“May God bless Ethiopia and her peoples.”

Abune Mathias I
Patriarch and Catholicos of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Axum,
and Ichege of the See of Tekle Haymanot

Addis Ababa – Ethiopia

Ginbot 6, 2018 E.C.

14/05/2026

The Holy Mooron (Chrism) Consecration of Mount Zion Aramana Church, Adimali, was conducted under the chief celebrancy of His Beatitude Catholicos Aboon Mor Baselios Joseph Catholicos and the presence of their Eminences.