Abune Samuel
N° 1234 15/03/2008
The Indian Ocean Newsletter

The Auxilliary Bishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) in Addis Ababa is a hair’s breadth from dissenting with the Church’s Patriarch, Abune Paulos. Abune Samuel received the support of three other important dignitaries in the EOC in his protest against the recent practice of placing a photo of Abune Paulos in all the Orthodox churches in the country.

Abune Samuel also raised the issue of the $430,000 Hummer 4x4 that Abune Paulos wants for himself that is being bought using the congregation’s offerings, even though he already has a bullet proof car at his disposal. If this dissidence gains ground, Abune Samuel could get into trouble with the Ethiopian government, since Abune Paulos is closely allied to it.