Somerset, NJ – On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, the Coptic and Eritrean Churches gathered together for a banquet honoring their common father, His Grace Bishop Makarios, as His Grace celebrated 90 years of life, 60 years of monasticism, and 30 years of the episcopacy.
The banquet was hosted by His Grace Bishop David, President of the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches, Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of NY & NE, and Patriarchal Exarch of the Coptic Orthodox Archdiocese of North America. It also featured the presence of His Grace Bishop Karas of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of PA, MD, WV, & DE, and His Eminence Abune Petros, Archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Archdiocese of NY & Its Affiliated Regions. Additionally, messages of congratulations were read from His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope and Patriarch of the Great City of Alexandria, His Grace Bishop Daniel Findikyan of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and His Eminence Mor Silvanos Ayub of the Knanaya Archdiocese of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
At the banquet, His Grace Bishop David made a powerful statement of support for His Holiness Abune Antonios I – the embattled and persecuted Patriarch of Eritrea – whom the Oriental Orthodox Churches recognize as the only legitimate patriarch of that country.
The Bishops of the Standing Conference pray that God bless His Grace Bishop Makarios with long life, health, and peace in his continued service to the Church, and that He may restore His Holiness Abune Antonios I to his throne in peace.