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Ethiopia: “Love for appointment and materialism have reigned”: His Holiness Abune Mathias I
In a speech delivered at the bi-annual Holy Synod Plenary Session that opened today, His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (#EOTC), admitted that “love for appointment” [for a position], and “materialism have reigned” within the ancient Church, which he also said is undergoing “a serious challenge” perpetuated not only by external factors but also factors arising from within.
The Spiritual foundations of the Church are being ignored and instead, “love for appointment and materialism have reigned” while divisions and disrespect are expanding, His Holiness cautioned.
“The suffering of the Church is not only from the outside but also from the inside; not only from aliens but also from friends,” the Patriarch said.
Powerful words that do not represent the religion and its spiritual culture are being deployed in an irresponsible way of expression and have “startled our flock”. These actions intend to “reduce our voice and influence among our flock.”
Even if the external challenges the Church is confronted with were inevitable, “more than that, the challenges arising from within” have hindered the Church from carrying out its mission properly, the Patriarch said.
He implored the Holy Synod members that when there are problems, it is essential to address them with “wisdom and the law”, rather than blaming a certain party alone. The preferred solution should therefore be “to evaluate, discuss and consult with a purpose of unity and peace” and to work by centering law and order as a key pillar.
Source: Addis Fortune
