Major Apostolic Achievements and Pontifical Orders

His Holiness Abune Matthias I Patriarch of Ethiopia Archbishop of Axum and Echegue of the See of St. Teklehaymanot has accomplished lots of spiritual and social services since the time of His enthronement, by bringing innovative ide as and guidelines which should be remembered in history and be passed to the next generation, some are presented as follows.

1. Directives presented by His Holiness during His enthronement period.

A. Strategic plan of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church

As soon as His Holiness came to His throne by the will of God, he passed opening message in the first meeting of the Holy Synod stating that, the church should be guided in modern way and should have well prepared plan and reaching from top to bottom. The idea was accepted by the Holy Synod and implemented by organizing an office that drafted strategic plan which is now on function. This Nobel idea came during the enthronement period of His Holiness signifying his vision of good governance, accountability and etc. that became implemented and considered as his legacy.

B. Property Management and Control

His Holiness Abune Matthias I made his immediate task giving directives about proper handling (in modern way) without wastage of wealth and property of the church. Hence accounting system of the church from parish church to head office should be handled by professionals. Based on this account of the church at least on the central level could be inspected by external auditors.

C. Development of accounting system and ethics.

His Holiness from the inception had great concern about eliminating corruption especially from the church as he emphasized in his opening speech at the first Holy synod meeting informing that the problem of corruption is not the problem of the church only, but nationwide. He believed that a lot of work should be done by creating structure to fight corruption. His Holiness wher ever he goes in meetings, conference, and church festivals gave lesson and condemns it declaring guidelines repeatedly.

2. Main activities of His Holiness accomplished in the period of his enthronement and their significance.

His Holiness Abune Matthias I have made outstanding contribution which was being approved by the Holy Synod. The following are some of the tangible contributions that could be kept as historical records.

1. Establishment of media com munication EOTC-Broadcasting Service Agency.

As it is known Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church had no means of using other media communication to spread the teaching and other activities, except using national radio and Television and Bisrate Wongel radio which was banned after the overthrow of the Empire. Even after that other religions could get from their foreign partners to disseminate different activities and programs in satellite. TV However, EOTC like other institutions could get the chance of using media communication service after long period of struggle by preparing the necessary conditions. A lot of steps were passed to reach the goal; some are establishment of board under the leadership of His Holiness, concluding agreement for satellite etc. and the process was finalized with agreement to use satellite from Jerusalem monastery, His Holi ness Abune Matthias I chairing the meeting. Also the content for the agreement was examined and approved by legal expert throughout all the process His Holiness was making strict follow up. Finally, in the presence of board members agreement between the then manager of the organization and the director of the satellite was signed. This television Broad cast which is the first in the history of EOTC was tested in the presence of his Holiness Abune Matthias I, their graces Arch bishops, members of the board of officials and general patriarchate office and officially opened by the blessing of his Holiness on July3, 2016. His Holiness gave impressive speech on the occasion of addressing organizers and Ethiopians both at home and abroad congratulating all on the realization of the Broadcasting service. His Holiness also mentioned that it covers almost all parts of the world- Africa, Middle East, Europe, Canada, North America and Latin America re minding that it is property of all and hence all should protect follow and support it. It is also ex pression of the sovereignty of EOTC. It enables one learn theology cannon of the church, order of worshiping history etc. He stressed that learning history of Orthodox Church is, knowing Ethio pia. His Holiness appreciated workers and also gave them further instructions to carefully per form their duty since it needs attention. (See the speech of His Holiness in connection with EOTC Broadcasting Service establishment)

2. Translation of Liturgical Book in to Oromifa

The translation of liturgical book in to Oromigna was completed and inaugurated in (21 Mar, 2016) by the blessing of His Holiness and order, to start function. His Holiness also told that all liturgical books should be translated in all languages of our country if possible, in world languages so that all could be served by the language they can listen and understand since it is our apostolic duty. At last his Holiness thanked Almighty God and closed the inauguration by quotation from Acts .2:4 and said the role of the Bible is irreplaceable in expanding Christianity.

3. Registration of Meskel Demera Holiday( festival )by UNISCO.

Meskel Demera holiday which is celebrated every year in September 25-26 in memory of the finding of the true Cross was, registered by UN ISCO as intangible heritage during the enthronement period of His Holiness Abune Matthias I. Great effort was made by the late Patriarch His Holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of Ethiopia Archbishop of Axum, Echegue of the See of Tekle Haymanot, President of world council of churches and honorary President of Religion for peace, to get Meskel be register by UNISCO. His Holiness Abune Matthias I continued the effort to bring the registration in to reality and finally it was registered as one of the intangible international heritages and got recognition. Meskel Demera Holiday was the first intangible heritage in addition to the 9 tangible, heritage registered by UNISCO. This heritages registration of Demera brought more attention and international protection that enhanced increase of the number of tourists. It also attracted international researchers, intellectuals etc., who came to visit our country.

4. Registration of Timket (Epiphany) by UNISCO.

By the Leadership and close follow up of His Ho liness and our church, with united effort of intellectuals all over the world, concerned government stake holders made great effort to get Timket be registered which is celebrated every year on the 19TH of January. in memory of Baptism of Je sus Christ. It could be registered by UNISCO that made the necessary study. As soon as the registration was announced on 14 December 2019. His Holiness Abune Matthias announced and passed message of congratulation to all members of the clergy church scholars and Sunday school youth and all members of the church. In his message he mentioned the continuous effort made by the Holy Synod to get the holiday registered and its significance for our church and the people in general. His holiness Abune Matthias I also appreciated UNESCO that helped and facilitated the registration of Timket as world intangible heritage His Holiness reminded that the celebration of Timket, the commemoration of the Baptism of Christ has been celebrated since early day as holiday of peace, love unity, mutual respect that kept our people together and is symbol of our unity. So, its historical, social and cultural values should be protected and passed to the next generation.
In addition, on the occasion of the international recognition of Timket held at Millennium Hall, His Holiness passed message of congratulation to all in the presence of Archbishops, government officials, leaders of different religions, Ambassadors and other invited guests. As it is known Timket and different Christian Holidays in other world might be celebrated but the Ethiopian celebration is different and attracts people of the world. This is result of our father’s dedication. Above all this shows the covenant that God gave to us by the word that says; the people of Ethiopia shall bow in front of me is irreversible. For this reason we consistently praise our God. The celebration of this holiday from time to time became bright, beautiful and attractive as witnessed by his Holiness and.

5. The return of the cross of St. Yared after 18 years

The historical cross of St. Yared which was stolen from Tana Kirkos was returned after 18 years of exile and was kept temporarily in the Patriarchate Museum. Finally in 25 November 2013, by the de cision of Holy Synod His Holiness Abune Matthias I gave order that it should be returned to its place of honor accompanied by His Holiness. Their Graces, Archbishops, thousands of laity of Bahir Dar and surrounding area.
This processional Cross of St. Yared was taken after the change of government (fall of Derg) May, 1991 by armed men together with 14 heritages where it stayed for 5 years in America and 13 years in France. Then with great effort of the 5th Pa triarch Abune Paulos made, it was returned to Ethiopia and was decided to stay in patriarchate Museum for the time being. Then by the decision of the Holy Synod it was returned to the Monastery in Oct, 2013.
Later his Holiness Abune Matthias I laid foundation stone for the construction of the museum in Tana Kirkos for keeping heritages and granted 30,000 Birr.

6. The first giant crosses In Africa

His Holiness Abune Matthias I Patriarch of Ethiopia in the period of his Enthronement inaugurated the two huge crosses in Adigrat and Mekele which are mentioned as the greatest in Africa

• The cross in Adigrat which was considered biggest in Africa having the size of 22 by 14 meters was inaugurated by His Holiness when Meskel Demera was being celebrated on Bakan Daro Mountain 29 Sep 2016, on a place where Meskel Demera is celebrated in a very glorious way. As Adigrat was the place where Christianity originated in Ethiopia, the holiday has been celebrated since that time, in a very glorious and attractive way with spiritual and cultural activities His Holiness in His benediction emphasized that Meskel heralded the breaking of the barrier created between man and god the beginning of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation with god. He added that when we celebrate Meskel we should remember ever lasting gift and forgiveness we received from God. Also Meskel is peace so all Christians who celebrate Meskel should be ambassadors of peace, we all should give priority for peace and avoid conflict and fighting which is harmful and sin. He finally appreciated the people who constructed the cross which also is a means for attracting tourists and hence would bring both social & spiritual benefit The cross in Mekele Diocese
• After a year of the inauguration of the cross in Adigrat the cross in Mekele which is 52 meters long was constructed in the mountain of Choma being he greatest in Africa. It was inaugurated in September 2017 by holiness Abune Matthias I in the presence of their Graces Archbishops department heads of the general patriarchate, administrators of parish churches and Monasteries, neighboring administrators of dioces and invited guests as well as residents of Mekele city.
• His Holiness in his speech reminded the cross which was the beginning of peace and unity is placed on the mountain of different parts of the world. In the same way these two crosses in Mekele and Adigrat also signify our citizens belief to live together in peace and unity. He added, the effort you made to put the cross on the top of the city signifies to the next generation. At last His Holiness appreciated all who participated and awarded them.

7. The killing of Ethiopian martyrs in Libya and Messages and Condolence of His Holiness Abune Matthias I.

His Holiness Abune Mathias I strongly condemned the horrifying killing of our Ethiopian Orthodox citizens in a very in human way, on 21 Apr, 2015. He called urgent meeting of the Holy Synod by cancelling His trip for patriarchal rally abroad where by the Holy Synod passed the necessary statement of condemnation by the following action: – that all communication media should disseminate the condemnation.
His Holiness also added that the martyrs are members of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church that left us with heart breaking sorrow. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahhido Church Holy Synod repeatedly released different statements related to the horror. He stressed that the role of all religions is saving human life not killing. Also mentioned the killing of Ethiopian citizens in South Africa.
His Holiness continued his message by calling all world Governments, international community, religious groups to oppose and condemn terror ism, informed that the Church would perform the necessary religious and canonical procedure for the Martyrs. His Holiness played his part as lead er so the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church would ‘venerate’ the 30 victims and members of Ethiopian Orthodox Church as Martyrs. (See speeches)

8. Messages of His Holiness con cerning the return of big build ings and houses of the Church

By the leadership of His Holiness Abune Matthi as several Houses and buildings that were taken by the Derg regime have been returned to the Church. Also, the twin buildings called ‘Tewoflos Building’ were returned by long struggle after the enthronement of His Holiness by making consistent correspondence with the help of the committee formed for this purpose.
This was done by special political decision of the Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. For the this reason, His Holiness awarded the Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and his wife Wro. Zinash Tayachew with Golden Gospel and Robe, appreciating the decision for returning the buildings.

9. Construction of New building

His Holiness Abune Matthias I was interested in development activities and always gave directives for construction buildings to support the church economically and that would be approved by the Holy Synod. He always laid foundation stone and followed the implementation strictly.
One of the Main buildings which are being constructed by the order of His Holiness is found in the general patriarchate office which is multipurpose and modern hall also two ground+10 buildings on the process of completion that are found in old Kera area, the other is in Basha Wolde Chilot ground+9 building and business center. All witness development activity of His Holiness Abune Mathias I.

10. Publishing of Book of Degwa religious hymn book.

The oldest hymn Book of St. Yared was published by the order of His Holiness Abune Matthias I Patriarch of Ethiopia Archbishop of Axum Echegue of the see of St. Tekle Haymanot by Tensae Publishing organization in September, 2016. The book of Degwa is one of the main and ancient writings of St. Yared which brought great fame for Ethiopia. It was studied thoroughly by the scholars of the Church, published and distributed by the good will of His Holiness Abune Matthias I. who also ordered to distribute the book to teachers of hymn, and student, without additional price.

11. Upgrading Holy Trinity College into University and the Huge Building Stretching from parliament to YMCA.

His Holiness Abune Matthias I Patriarch of Ethiopia Archbishop of Axum Echegue of the see of St. Tekele Haymanot inaugurated the huge multipurpose ground+4 building known as ‘from parliament to YMCA’ and that is constructed by the Holy Trinity Theological College with great effort and leadership of the late His Grace Abune Timotheos.
His Holiness in His speech stated and very much appreciated the late Abune Timotheos for con structing such wonderful building especially in his old Age.
His Holiness added His grace needs reward more than appreciation and so he got hand cross from the patriarch and in the same way from his grace Abune Dioscoros the former general manager of Patriarchate and from His Grace Abune Aregawi (Dr.) as well as reward from the college community. In the meantime. it was announced that the college was promoted into university.

12. Concerning Unity of the Church

His Holiness Abune Matthias I Patriaric of Ethio pia Archbishop of Axum and Echegue of the see of St. Teklehaymanot achieved another important Job during his times, that is, Uniting the two synods which had created division in the Church, He 567 started the idea of uniting the two synods, since the time he was serving as a bishop in America. His effort came to reality and fulfilled His wish. During the unification he gave important lesson in his speech by saying ‘we created this problem In our time so we have to correct it also in our time before it will pass to the next generation and become a habit or culture leaving the Church di vided.
His Holiness Abune Matthias I received His Holiness Abune Merkorios Patriarch, with warm welcome and gave historical message by saying with His Holiness Abune Merkorios patriarch we were anointed together in one day (same day) and came to this position, again it become God’s will to bring us together, held each other and serve our church. ‘Welcome your Holiness!’ This kind of welcoming with love and humility is considered as golden history that the generation remembers.

13. Up grading Theological Col lege of Zeway Monastery

His Holiness Abune Matthias I Patriarch of Ethiopia Archbishop of Axum, Echegue of the See of St. Tekle Haymanot made decision to promote Zeway training institute found in Eastern Showa, Hamere Berhan St. Gabriel Monastery into the level of college in response to the questions of His grace Abune Gorgorios presented to the Holy Synod. This institute has contributed fruitful ser vice by training numerous clergymen for a long time. The Holy Synod approved and gave order that the institute be promoted into college.

14. Revision of Kale Awadi for the 4th (fourth) Time

His Holiness Abune Mathias I with interest of creating modern administrative system tried to revise the existing Kale Awadi (Guide line for the Administration) and formed a committee for revising the draft and then was approved by the Holy Synod and implemented.

15. Consecration of Episcopates.

His Holiness Abune Matthias I found it a series question to appoint substitute episcopes to continue full service of the church. Hence fifteen (15) candidates from among monks were select ed and approved by the Holy Synod and appoint ed to substitute the passed away fathers.

16. Revision of Church Law (Canon Law)

One of the primary Agenda of His Holiness Abune Matthias I was revising the Canon Law of the Church. Hence, the law following order of re vision was checked by council of scholars, General patriarchate Admin Congregation, and was presented to Holy Synod which became approved in May, 2015 and began to be implemented.

17. Publishing of Geez Bible

Full Bible of geez which was being prepared for longtime by scholars of the church became published His Holiness fulfilled his duty by giving his leadership. The Geez Bible was published keeping its international standard in China and was inaugurated by ceremony organized by the committee composed of Bible Society and our church members.
The general secretary of the Bible Society had presented the copy of the Bible to His Holiness Abune Matthias I who expressed His Pleasure for being printed after long period of tiresome activity of council of scholars.

18. Publishing Kale-Awadi in Three (3) Languages

Kale Awadi which is guideline for performing the work of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was published in three languages in addition to the Amharic one. These are Oromigna, Tigrigna and English, by evangelical department of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. His Holiness Abune Matthias I inaugurated this book at the ceremony held in Tserha Tewahedo Evangelical department hall in the presence of their Graces Archbishops, department Heads of General patriarchate and other invited guests. His Holiness while giving his benediction and blessing stressed that the translation of Kale Awadi speeds up the spiritual service for the laity.

19. Creation of Department for Organizing Associations.

One of the numerous activities achieved during the enthronement period of His Holiness is founding the department for organizing Associations to function under the umbrella of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church with guideline to be approved by the Holy Synod, where by, the October meeting Oct, 2022 of Holy Synod passed the decision, This noble achievement helps activities to be recognized, led legally, having accountability and this responded practically to the repeated question of His Holiness. As a result, the accounting system of Mahibere Kidusan could be recognized and audited by general patriarchate every year.

20. Preserving Heritages

It is well known that our Holy church is the owner of internationally registered, tangible and in tangible heritages that brought great contribution to the tourism industry of our country. Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has made great effort to preserve these heritages and make them be recognized internationally. His Holiness repeatedly gave directives that the heritages found in every parish church be safeguarded by preparing museums and stores. Besides, His Holiness gave great attention to continuing the construction of Axum Museum by allocating budget with the decision of Holy Synod and strengthening the construction committee.
Continuous and serious follow up of the construction of the Museum of Axum has been one of the outstanding activities of His Holiness.