His Holiness Abune Basilos has been enthroned the new Patriarch of Eritrea with the presence of bishops from the Coptic, Syriac, and Armenian Orthodox churches.
In a historic ceremony imbued with tradition and faith, His Holiness Abune Basilios I has been officially enthroned as the Sixth Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The consecration and enthronement took place on Sunday, January 26 at Saint Mary Church in Asmara, marking a new chapter for the Church and its faithful.
The event was graced by prominent figures from the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox communities, highlighting the unity and solidarity among sister churches. Bishops and representatives from the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt, the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, and others gathered to witness this significant occasion. Their presence emphasized the deep historical and spiritual ties that bind these ancient Christian traditions.
The enthronement ceremony followed the rich liturgical heritage of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, blending centuries-old prayers, hymns, and rituals.
Messages of blessings and congratulations poured in from around the world. Notably, the World Council of Churches (WCC), the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), and the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa extended heartfelt greetings.
Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, expressed optimism and hope for the future of the Church under the leadership of Abune Basilios I. “Your election, enthronement, and consecration as Patriarch mark a new chapter of hope, faith, and service for the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church,” he remarked. “May God’s abundant grace strengthen you as you carry out the responsibilities of this holy office, guiding the Church with wisdom, humility, and love.”
A delegation from the Coptic Orthodox Church, led by Bishop Antonius, Metropolitan of the Jerusalem See and the Near East, on behalf of Pope Tawadros II and the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The delegation also included prominent bishops such as Bishop Marcus of Shubra El-Kheima and Bishop Yoannis of Assiut, underscoring the close ties between the Eritrean and Coptic Orthodox Churches.
Senior Eritrean government officials, including President Isaias Afwerki, diplomatic representatives, diocesan leaders, monastic communities, and thousands of faithful, also attended the three-hour ceremony. Their participation highlighted the Church’s central role in Eritrea’s spiritual and cultural identity.
His Holiness Abune Basilios I was elected as the Sixth Patriarch on December 9, 2024, following the established norms of the Holy Synod and Church regulations. Prior to his election, he served as the Administrator of the Patriarchate’s Office, demonstrating a deep commitment to the spiritual and administrative needs of the Church.
The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, established as an independent entity in 1993 following Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopian annexation, is a sister church of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Its roots trace back to the early centuries of Christianity, and it remains a cornerstone of Eritrean religious life.
The enthronement of His Holiness Abune Basilios I is not only a spiritual milestone but also a unifying moment for the global Orthodox community. May his leadership strengthen the faith, preserve the Church’s traditions, and inspire unity among Christians worldwide. [TN]