WCC extends condolences upon death of His Holiness, Abune Kerlos I, fifth Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church

The World Council of Churches (WCC) extended condolences upon the death of His Holiness, Abune Kerlos I, fifth Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church. WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca noted that the election of Abune Kerlos I as Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church came at a time of unprecedented challenges for the churches and people of Eritrea, and for the entire world.

“Through his spiritual leadership, though short, Abune Kerlos I promoted and sustained the spiritual life of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church,” said Sauca. “He strengthened the witness of his church locally and globally through promoting and consolidating dialogues with other Oriental Orthodox Churches and supporting ecumenical engagement.”

Sauca also reflected that His Holiness Abune Kerlos I remains in the prayerful memory of the church as an inspired spiritual leader who committed himself to a common and prophetic voice of Christians in Eritrea in the face of societal challenges.

“We pray for the rest of the soul of Abune Kerlos I in the tents of the righteous (Ps 118,15) and in the light, peace and love of the Most Holy Trinity and we give thanks to Christ, our Lord, the One who is the resurrection and the life (cf. John 11:25), for the life and ministry of His Holiness,” said Sauca. "On behalf of the World Council of Churches I extend our profound condolences to the members of the Holy Synod and to the entire Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church.”

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