A Statement from the Crown Council of Ethiopia
His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie, President of the Crown Council of Ethiopia offers his heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Axum & Echege of the See of St. Tekle Haimanot, on the 10th anniversary of his enthronement.
His Imperial Highness was honored to have been received in audience by His Holiness during his recent visit to Ethiopia where he expressed his admiration for the stand that the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has taken in regards to peace, and its role in maintaining the history of the country.
Prince Ermias recognizes the long record of His Holiness in regards to upholding the truth and providing spiritual guidance to many of the faithful through the dark days of shared exile during the Derg era. Moreover, His Holiness the Patriarch has been a true guardian of the unity and the canonical integrity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church from the ending of the schism four years ago, to his steadfast and principled stand in the recent crisis.
His Holiness was brought to the Patriarchal throne at a difficult time in the history of our country and of the Orthodox Church, and we are all thankful to God for him.
May God grant him a long life and good health, and may his blessings be upon us.
