The Orthodox Church has notified all churches that they must necessarily mention the names of the Syriac [Syrian] Orthodox Patriarch, the Eritrean Orthodox Patriarch in the Fathers’ Orison at all High Masses following the mention of the Pope of Alexandria, not to mention the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Church, at Christmas, Easter, Epiphany and Feast of the Crucifix Masses.
The Church pointed out that there is a protocol in place between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Syriac [Syrian] Orthodox Church, since the era of Late Pope Kyrillos [Cyril] VI, stating that the mention of the Coptic Patriarch and the Syriac [Syrian] Patriarch in all Masses. The same is true of the Eritrean Orthodox Church, during the era of Late Pope Shenouda III.
The Church confirmed the text so indicating in the Fathers’ Orison, following mention of the Pope of Alexandria, adding: “Fraternity in Apostolic Service: the Patriarch of Antioch Mar Ignatius Aphrem II, and the Eritrean Patriarch Father Antonius [Anthony] I”. The orison continues as usual in the case of mentioning our fathers the Metropolitans or Bishops: “And our partners in Apostolic Service”.
As for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, our Church stated that, as per the protocol between the two churches, mention is made of Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria, followed by the Patriarch of Antioch Mar Ignatius Aphrem II, then the Ethiopian Patriarch Matthias I, in the following four occasions: Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Feast of the Crucifix.
