Today, On 2 June 2025, at the Tsirha Zion Hall of the Patriarchate, a welcoming ceremony was held for the newly appointed Chief Administrator and General Secretary of the Patriarchate. His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Axum, and Echege of the See of Teklehaimanot, along with other blessed Archbishops and staff of the Patriarchate, were present.
During the event, His Eminence Abune Sawiros, the newly appointed Chief Administrator of the Patriarchate and Archbishop of South West Shewa and Sheger City Diocese, said:
“We firmly believe that the prayers of our forefathers are with us as we strive to fulfill the mission entrusted to us by the Holy Synod. The service of the Holy Church must be spiritually grounded.”
He emphasized the importance of preserving the Church’s dignity, stating:
“We must work diligently and with clear planning to uphold the Church’s honor and solve administrative challenges. The time we are in demands thoughtful and inclusive action grounded in cooperation and productivity.”
His Eminence Abune Dioskoros, Secretary General of the Holy Synod and Archbishop of the dioceses of Southern, Southeastern Tigray, and Raya, added:
“We must return the Church to its former glory. The essence of the Church is love, peace, kindness, and compassion. It is our duty to preserve this spiritual home with dignity, law, and order.”
He also stated:
“Abune Sawiros and I are well aware of where we came from and where we need to go. We are committed to achieving results through collaborative, faithful work.”
Quoting Scripture, he emphasized:
“Live in peace with all people,” highlighting the need for cooperation between the Church, the government, and stakeholders to restore the Church’s honor.
His Holiness Abune Mathias affirmed in his fatherly message that:
“The House of God must be led only through the path of God.”
He warned:
“Everything will prosper when led through divine service and prayer. But the worldly path is dangerous. As it is said, ‘The shield and the sword belong to different holders,’ we must separate spirituality from politics and walk in a Godly path.”
His Holiness called for collective support and prayer for the newly appointed leaders and encouraged all to:
“Speak with one voice and act with one heart, guided by truth and integrity.”
He stressed that if the Church is not led spiritually, the consequences will be severe.
His Holiness concluded:
“Peace only comes from a peaceful Church. If peace cannot be found in the Church, then where can it be found? Recognizing our spiritual responsibility, we must contribute to national peace through our efforts.”
He warned against hatred, discrimination, and division:
“We are spiritual beings, created pure by God. It is our own actions that lead us astray. As guardians, we must fulfill our roles free from hatred and racism, and serve not the devil but God.”
Finally, he prayed:
“May God give strength and endurance to the newly appointed fathers, and may He keep and bless those who have completed their service.”
The ceremony concluded with a prayer.
