Church Appeals for Government to Allow High-Ranking Archbishop’s Abune Petros Entry

In a recent development, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has expressed significant concern regarding the treatment of one of its high-ranking officials, Abune Petros, the Archbishop of New York and the General Secretary of the Holy Synod. Upon his return from the United States, where he completed his apostolic service, Abune Petros was unexpectedly denied entry at Bole International Airport on Tuesday, February 06, 2024. The Church has strongly appealed to the government, requesting that they allow Abune Petros to enter the country, highlighting his esteemed position within the Church and the spiritual duties he has fulfilled.

During his time in the United States, Abune Petros engaged in various religious activities, including the celebration of the anniversary of the Holy Trinity and the sacraments of baptism. He also ordained new deacons, contributing significantly to the spiritual life of his diocese. These actions underscore his dedication to his faith and the Church’s mission, demonstrating the importance of his role both within Ethiopia and abroad.

The situation has prompted the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church to issue a call to the concerned government bodies, urging them to reconsider their decision and facilitate Abune Petros’s entry into Ethiopia. This request comes with the hope that the government will recognize the Archbishop’s contributions to the Church and the Ethiopian community at large, allowing him to continue his ecclesiastical and administrative duties within the country before his planned return to the United States.