In the passing away of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the 117th Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt, the world has lost a most beloved spiritual leader. Pope Shenouda’s influence has been wide and deep throughout his papacy. The Coptic Church has experienced a profound and unparalleled renaissance under his leadership. He was the author of over 100 books, a great theologian, and an indefatigable servant of God.
The
Eritrean Orthodox Church and its adherents are particularly touched by
His Holiness in a very special way. He was the one who ordained
Eritrea’s first five bishops, its patriarchs and presided in the
church’s attainment of autocephaly. Our own beloved patriarch, His
Holiness Abune Antonios, one of the five bishops, was later on enthroned
to the patriarchate by Him. Upon Abune Antonios’ illegal removal from
his throne in 2005 and subsequent imprisonment in January 2006, Pope
Shenouda stood unflinchingly by the Eritrean Orthodox Church and her
patriarch.
We
are immensely saddened by his departure. May God receive his beloved
servant in paradise in the bosom of all the saints! We are consoled in
the knowledge that he is now interceding on our behalf, much as he has
done while he was with us.
H.G
Bishop Makarius and the North America Diocese of the Eritrean Orthodox
Church sends its heart-felt condolences to the Coptic Church and the
people of Egypt.
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