The Eritrean Orthodox priests’ annual meeting in North America was held on February 7-9, 2019, at St. Mary and St. Demiana Coptic Convent in Georgia, USA. Clergy members from Canada and the United States attended the meeting.

The goal was, among other things, to standardize the services of the holy sacraments and discuss major issues that priests encounter during their ministry.

An agenda was prepared beforehand so that priests had a chance to study the topics and come prepared for discussion.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to issues of theological training and pastoral care. The following were the main topics of discussions:

1. Standardize administering the sacraments.

2. Propagating the Orthodox faith and practice.

3.  Effective Church administration and pastoral care

4.  Conduct and expand Liturgical services in English

In addition to the above, clergy members discussed establishing new Churches within the archdiocese and discussed on some contemporary and controversial issues that the faithful encounter or experience in today's world.

Each day started with a morning prayer and concluded with Vespers.

We glorify God for a successful meeting and we send our appreciation to St. Mary and St. Demiana Coptic Convent for their warm reception and to His Grace Bishop Youssef, Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States for allowing us to use the Convent.

Clergy of the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church,

Archdiocese of North America

February 13, 2019