"Beloved people of God, we greet you with the greetings of God, who are following the orthodox education transmitted by John's Repentance telegram website. We have sent you below to read the decision of the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church today, February 4, 2023 (Tir 27, 2015 E.C.)"
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church passed the following resolutions in an emergency meeting called by the Holy Synod.
1 . The Holy Synod strongly condemns the illegal arrest and harassment of Archbishops and Diocese Managers, Heads of Departments, Priests and the faithful;
2. On February 4, 2023 (Tir 27, 2015 E.C) in Shashemene city of Western Arsi Diocese, in Debre Sebhat St. Michael local church, the Holy Synod completely condemns the illegal human rights violation and the brutal death of the parishioners who came out to protect the church. The Holy Synod decided that prayer of absolution should be done in all localities by making appropriate synodal and religious prayers;
3. It is recalled that in the decision and statement of the Holy Synod on February 3, 2023 (Tir 26, 2015 E.C.), all the followers of the church should fast the fast of Nineveh and dress black throughout the entire fast.
3.1. We see that it is necessary to draw up a detailed implementation guide for this. For 3 days starting from Februarh 6, 2023 (Tir 29, 2015 E. C), the Holy Synod decided that all the priests and laymen in all the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo churches, all over the world should wear all black and hold prayer ceremonies in the churches and monasteries.
3.2. In all activities during this time, be sure to wear black clothes as it is the Holy Synod's order. However, after the Holy Synod announced this order international schedule of prayers and dress code yesterday, we understand that black clothes are being taken out of the market in various cities. The Holy Synod has decided that you should use the similar clothes that you have and carry out the decision of the Holy Synod in all your activities.
3.3. During these days, the Holy Synod decided that the service should be performed with a loudspeaker and that the service should be performed full time and that during the seven hours of prayer, the bells shall be rang for five straight minutes without ceasing.
3.4. The Holy Synod has decided that the parish councils of each diocese, district church and local churches should monitor and enforce this.
3.5. We call on sister churches, the Orthodox world, any religious or social institutions and individuals who know and support the truth to stand together in support of the call of our Holy Church.
4. In these times of prayer and Oath, if hardened hearts do not return to their heart and apply the call of the Church:
4.1. On February 12, 2023 (Yekatit 5 2015 E.C), Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church priest)s and believers in the country and abroad will attend the Mass from 05:00 am in their local churches until 7:30 am. And the churches ringing the bell at the same time, making all the worshipers gather until 8:30 in the morning; The Holy Synod has decided that a peaceful demonstration should be held from every area to the same place, the baptistry [local area where churches gather for Epiphany - this mainly applies to churches in Ethiopia] or Meskel Square [if in Addis Abeba], celebrating the 'tabot', accompanying it and singing hymns.
4.2. The Holy Synod urges you to make arrangements, knowing that we will inform you in a short time about the detailed instructions for the implementation of this peaceful demonstration.
5. The Holy Synod urges any security force of the government to realize that it has the duty to provide appropriate protection in any period of service in which the church orders peaceful requests, recognizing that their activities are peaceful.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Holy Synod
February 4, 2023 (Tir 27, 2015 E.C)
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
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