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January 30, 2012

It has come to the attention of the Holy Synod of the Œcumenical Canonical Orthodox Church Worldwide (ŒCOCW) that the canonically chosen, consecrated and enthroned patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewhado Church, His Holiness Abune Antonios has been shamefully subjected to religious persecution by the Eritrean government.

The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Canonical Orthodox Church Worldwide along with the entire Orthodox community is deeply aggrieved by this particular unlawful act and unprovoked intrusion into religious affairs.  The ŒCOCW likens this atrocious act to the similar atrocities suffered by such historical luminaries as the blessed patriarchs St. Athanasius and St. John Chrysostom from the Holy See of Constantinople.

These holy men were ultimately restored to their deserved places of dignity.  Therefore, on behalf of the voiceless faithful clergy, the entire community of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, the worldwide Christian faithful, community of religious freedom and all Orthodox Patriarchs, Metropolitans, Bishops, Hierarchs, Monastics, Priests and Deacons, the Holy Synod of the ŒCOCW respectfully petitions the Eritrean government for the release of His Holiness, Patriarch Antonios.  We also appeal to the precious court of public opinion and the International Court of Justice (World Court) to intervene on behalf of His Holiness and all religious leaders.

International Religious freedom is a basic moral human right and therefore deserves international protection for which the ŒCOCW hereby appeals on behalf His Holiness Antonios.  Further, the Holy Synod of the ŒCOCW calls upon the hierarchy and Synod of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewhado Church to return to their faithful and mandatory canonical obligation to protect, defend and support the rightfully elected and enthroned Holy Father who is their ecclesiastical superior and holy representative which is their divine duty.

The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Canonical Orthodox Church Worldwide encourages all of the Patriarchal Sees and all Orthodox, Catholic and Christian churches, as well as all religious communities around the world to rally to the cause of our beloved brother in Christ, His Holiness, Patriarch Antonios as a demonstration of concern for full religious freedom for all believers wherever they may reside.