Addressed to the “Dear members of God’s family”, a letter signed by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Asmara, His Grace Menghesteab Tesfamariam, gives thanks to God for the just signed declaration between the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea, and appeals to all believers to join in elevating “special and intense prayers” for a just and lasting peace. The peace declaration came during a meeting between the two countries’ leaders in Eritrea’s capital, Asmara last week.
As reported by Vatican news, the letter read, “As we all know, the echoes of peace that we have been longing for so many years are resonating, infusing us with joy and courage. First of all, we must thank the Lord and then all those who are committed operators of peace, but side by side with giving thanks, constant prayer and imploration are needed. Thus from 8 July to 6 August, we have asked that in all parishes, churches, chapels, convents and monasteries of our Eparchies, special prayers be elevated.” The Bishops added, “Therefore, in order for our just begun journey of peace to be effective, fruitful and above all just and orientated towards the common good of both of our peoples, we exhort you not only to pray but also to organize events during which to reflect on the themes of justice, peace and reconciliation.”
The bishops concluded their letter pointing out that all of this must be carried out with the Word of God and with relevant Church documents as the foundation. The summit marked the first time the Eritrean president and the Ethiopian prime minister had met in nearly two decades after the countries had been locked in a border conflict between 1998 and 2000 that resulted in years of tension.
