Abune Paulos († 2012)

His Holiness Abune Paulos was the patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which has a membership of 40 million. Following the WCC 9th Assembly in 2006 up until his death in 2012 he served as Oriental Orthodox president of the WCC.

WCC president (Oriental Orthodox)

His Holiness Abune Paulos was the patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which has a membership of 40 million. He has been instrumental in encouraging interfaith dialogue in Ethiopia, and has participated in many international meetings, including the World Economic Forum and the World Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders at the United Nations. He has shown keen interest in youth, women's issues and HIV/AIDS, acting as patron of the national programme on HIV/AIDS. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the protection and welfare of refugees, he was awarded the Nansen Medal for Africa by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 2000. He has served as a member of Central Committee and the Faith and Order commission, and attended the Nairobi assembly.

Interview with His Holiness Abune Paulos

WCC press release on the passing away of Abune Paulos (16 August 2012)