Ethiopians, Jamaicans and Caribbean Orthodox worshippers are today (March 13) joining the tributes for the late fourth Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC), His Holiness Abune Merkorios, as Ethiopians say farewell to His Holiness at the Meskel Square, in Addis Ababa.

The Honorary Consul for Ethiopia in Jamaica, Yodit Hylton, has extended condolences to family members of The Patriarch on his passing and to The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Said Hylton: “Today is a sad day for many of us, as we say a sorrowful farewell to His Holiness. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the Ethiopians, Jamaicans and Caribbean faithful brothers and sisters. His Holiness Abune Merkorios has gone to his eternal life and he will always be loved and remembered for his good deeds, which were many and for a long period both in the diaspora and in Ethiopia.”

PRESENT TO PAY HOMAGE

His Holiness Abuna Matias, the remaining Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Archbishops of the Orthodox Churches of India and Egypt along with other religious fathers from African Christian Fellowship and the Vatican Church were all present at the event to pay homage to the late Patriarch. In addition, senior government officials including Ethiopian Prime Minister, Dr Abiy Ahmed, the diplomatic community, and other religious leaders from around the world attended the farewell ceremony earlier today.

The funeral of His Holiness Abune Merkorios will be held today at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Ababa, with the attendance of religious leaders of sister churches and faithful from all over the world.

The Felege Hiwot MedhaneAlem Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Kingston, Jamaica, will also conduct a memorial service for His Holiness, today at 57 Mannings Hill Road in St Andrew.