1️⃣ H.H Abune Basilios (1959–1970)
The First Patriarch of Ethiopia
Abune Basilios became the first Patriarch-Catholicos of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in 1959 after the Church gained full independence from the Coptic Church of Egypt.
He was previously Archbishop of Ethiopia and played a key role in the church’s push for autonomy.
He was deeply respected and worked to strengthen the Church’s internal structure and education.
He passed away in 1970.
2️⃣ H.H Abune Theophilos (1971–1976)
Elected after Abune Basilios, he was a scholar and spiritual leader.
His time as patriarch was during the rise of the Derg regime, a Marxist military government.
In 1976, he was illegally removed by the Derg, who installed another patriarch in his place.
He was later executed in 1979 by the regime, and is now considered a martyr by many faithful.
3️⃣ H.H Abune Tekle Haimanot (1976–1988)
Installed after removing Abune Theophilos.
His time as patriarch was marked by government interference in Church affairs.
Despite this, he led the Church through a very difficult time under a communist regime.
He died in 1988.
4️⃣ H.H Abune Merkorewos (1988–1991)
He served for a short time as Patriarch, during the final years of the Derg.
His time was transitional, as Ethiopia was heading toward civil war and regime change.
He resigned in 1991 after the fall of the Derg government.
5️⃣ H.H Abune Paulos (1992–2012)
Elected Patriarch after the fall of the Derg,
He was a well-educated theologian and former bishop in the diaspora (based in the U.S.).
His leadership lasted 20 years, one of the longest in church history.
He worked on peacebuilding, education, and building international relationships.
He passed away in 2012 while still in office.
6️⃣ H.H Abune Mathias (2013–present [as of 2025])
Elected as the sixth Patriarch in 2013.
He is known for his spiritual leadership and efforts to unify the Church at home and abroad.
His time as Patriarch has included many challenges, including internal church divisions and political instability in Ethiopia.
He remains an important voice for peace, faith, and reconciliation.