On Monday, December 9, 2024, the election of the sixth Patriarch of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church took place at the Church’s headquarters in the capital city of Asmara.

The election day began with prayers, followed by voting from 85 members of the Holy Synod of the Eritrean Church, along with representatives from all monasteries in Eritrea, local and foreign dioceses, sub-dioceses abroad, and representatives from the Eritrean Theological College. Additionally, five members of the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church cast their votes in accordance with a previously signed protocol between the two Churches.

After the introduction of the Holy Synod was read to participants, an explanation of the election process was presented. A summary of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the process for electing the sixth Patriarch was also shared.

Three bishops were nominated by the selection committee, and their biographies were read in Tigrinya and English.

Following the vote count, conducted in the presence of delegates from the Holy Synod of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Abune Basilios was unanimously elected as the sixth Patriarch of the Holy Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The Holy Synod expressed its joy through a representative of the Holy Synod of Eritrea.

A statement announcing the election of the sixth Patriarch was read, and the delegation of the Coptic Orthodox Church expressed their happiness with the successful elections and the selection of the Patriarch for their sister Eritrean Church, wishing His Holiness Patriarch Abune Basilios a long life and good health.

The election proceedings concluded with prayers, and the Coptic Orthodox Church delegation presented a gift from His Holiness Pope Tawadros II.

The enthronement prayers for the new Patriarch are scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Mary in the capital, Asmara.

This page is also available in: العربية