The Coptic Orthodox Church issued a statement on 24 January 2022 in which it announced its rejection of the schism in the Ethiopian Church caused by the separation of Bishop Sawiris and his installing himself patriarch of the Oromo region in Ethiopia.
The statement, which was written on official paper carrying the header: Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, H. H. Pope Tawadros II Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, read:
“Cairo, 24 January 2023
“Statement
“The Committee of Ecumenical Relations of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church declares its total rejection of the schism that was announced with the separation of Abuna Sawiris and the installation of himself as Patriarch of the Oromo region of Ethiopia. His ordination of 26 bishops violated Church laws and the established principles of Orthodox Churches throughout generations.
“The Coptic Orthodox Church does not recognise any ordination outside the scope of the legal patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tawahedo Church, only Abouna Matthias 1st is recognised as Patriarch of the Ethiopian Tawahedo Church.
“The Committee also declares its full solidarity with Ethiopian Orthodox Tawahedo Church, and we appeal to the Metropolitans and Bishops of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which has a long and rich history, to uphold the unity and integrity of the Church, holding on with the bond of love and peace.”
The statement was signed:
“Ecumenical Relations Committee of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church
Anba Thomas, Metropolitan of Qusia and Mir,
and Rapporteur of the Ecumenical Relations Committee of the Coptic Orthodox Church”.
Watani International
26 January 2023
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