Amidst the escalating conflict in the Holy Land, His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, has received a high-level Israeli delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sharon Haskell at his Patriarchate today.
Haskell, accompanied by Ambassador Abraham Nigusse, conveyed the Israeli government's commitment to bolstering ties with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Expressing deep sorrow over the ongoing Israel, Palestine war, His Holiness acknowledged the immense global challenges and lauded Israel's efforts to safeguard religious and historical sites in Jerusalem.
Recalling the deep rooted historical and spiritual connection between Ethiopia and Israel dating back to the Old Testament, the Patriarch engaged in extensive discussions with the delegation.
Both parties affirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the Church and the Israeli government while respecting the laws of the Church and preserving its central role.
The meeting, held at a critical juncture, underscores the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church's pivotal position as a voice for peace and reconciliation.