Asmara-Eritrea: It was reported by Radio Erena broadcasting station that the canonical Patriarch Abune Antonios of Eritrea passed away at the age of 92. Abune was the 3rd legitimate Primate of the Eritrean Church who has been under house arrest since 2007.

He staunchly defended the freedom of the Church and its faithful against the authoritarian government of Eritrea. He was denied the freedom to receive medical care abroad despite several international agencies and human rights organizations calling for his release. Patriarch Antonios suffered for 15 years in detention for the Church and for the people of Eritrea. He was a true martyr of government dictatorship.

read more