ICFC Press Release
July 15, 2010
No. 10003
Special Prayer Organized in NY for Eritrea’s Best-Known Prisoner of Conscience
The Eritrean Orthodox Church – Archdiocese of North America – is
organizing a special prayer for His Holiness Abune Antonios, Patriarch
of the Eritrean Orthodox Church. Abune Antonios has remained under the
most stringent house arrest since January 2006. The event will take
place in a special Holy Liturgy on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Archangels
Greek Orthodox Church, 1527 Bedford Street Stamford, CT 06905
According to sources in the archdiocese, the special prayer will be
offered for the canonically legitimate patriarch and the other church
fathers that have remained in prison for as long as six years without
being charged with any criminal offenses. No one knows the whereabouts
of the patriarch and the thousands of prisoners of conscience in
Eritrea, as they have never been visited by either the International Red
Cross or family members.
The special prayer will be attended by His Eminence Bishop Seraphim,
Metropolitan of the British Orthodox Church. Metropolitan Seraphim has
been an unwavering champion of Patriarch Antonios’ cause and that of all
the other persecuted Christians in Eritrea. In addition, H. G. Bishop
Mekarios, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Archdiocese of
North America and that of the Eritrean Orthodox Church (North America
Archdiocese), as well as H.G. Bishop David, General Bishop of the Coptic
Orthodox Church, Archdiocese of North America, will be present. Many
Eritrean priests, deacons and laity from across North America are
expected to take part in this special prayer.
For a version of this press release with pictures, visit
www.InChainsForChrist.org
