The Committee on Ecumenical Relations of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church declares its total rejection of the schism that was announced, with the separation of Bishop Abuna Sawiris, and the installation of himself as Patriarch of the Oromo region of Ethiopia. His ordination to 26 bishops violated the church laws and the established principles of the Orthodox Churches thoughout the generations.
The Coptic Orthodox Church does not recognize any ordination outside the scope of the legal patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tawehedo Church, and he is only Abouna Matthias I is recognized as the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Tawehedo Church.
The Committee also declares its full solidarity with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tawehedo Church, and we appeal to the Metropolitans and Bishops of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which has a long and rich history, to uphold the unity and integrity of the Church, holding on to the bond of love and peace.
Ecumenical Relations Committee of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church
Metropolitan Thomas, Metropolitan of Qusiya, and Mir
Rapporteur of the Ecumenical Relations Committee of the Coptic Orthodox Church
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