The Members Church of God International (MCGI) has expressed its gratitude and appreciation to all those who extended their sympathies and tributes for the passing of international televangelist Brother Eliseo “Eli” Soriano.

It has been a week since Brother Eli, host of the longest-running religious program in the Philippines, “Ang Dating Daan,” died at the age of 73 but messages of condolences and support continue to pour in.  

“While we in MCGI believe that the recorded preachings of Bro. Eli are more than enough to console and heal our broken hearts for his sudden passing, your messages recognizing his efforts and sacrifices give us great joy and a sense of pride as members of the Church of God International and strengthen our resolve to pursue his aspiration—for us to love and care for one another, attain Godly perfection, and make known the words of God in the Bible to all mankind,” the MCGI said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Among those who offered condolences was President Rodrigo Duterte, who, in a recorded video message, expressed his sympathies to Brother Eli’s family, loved ones, and supporters as he remembered the late preacher’s dedication and efforts to spread the word of God.

Some local politicians, diplomats and even leaders of different religious groups have also sent messages of support and recognition of Brother Eli’s services and charity works.

“We would like to especially thank President Rodrigo Duterte, distinguished senators of our country, governors and mayors, ambassadors, leaders of different religious groups, members of the mass media for practicing fair and constructive journalism, and the tens of millions of netizens around the world for your condolences and expression of sympathy,” the MCGI said.

“It is heartwarming to know that we are one in spirit in regretting the loss of our beloved Bro. Eli,” it added.

“Your words of appreciation on the life, dedication, and sacrifices of Bro. Eli serve as a testament of a life well-spent. His exhortation of God’s words in the Bible not only made a great impact in our hearts and minds, but also to countless people from all walks of life around the world,” it further stated.

Consolations and accolades offered by many people are indeed pleasing to hear, the MCGI said, but if Brother Eli were only around, “he would definitely tell us that all praises and honor belong to the Almighty and that he is merely an unworthy servant.”

The MCGI said that one biblical reminder that Brother Eli frequently told his listeners and viewers are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 17:10: “So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”

Brother Eli started his flagship program “Ang Dating Daan” in 1980. After years of challenges to find a permanent home, ADD and Bro. Eli’s other programs “Truth in Focus” and “Itanong mo kay Soriano” finally settled with UNTV on 2004.

He was forced to leave the Philippines in 2005 due to religious persecution. He settled in Brazil where he continued his global evangelization efforts.

He was known for his straightforward and courageous method of exposing errors in doctrines of various religious groups locally and abroad through his signature segment “Itanong Mo kay Soriano, Biblia ang Sasagot” – a non-scripted Bible Exposition being broadcasted live on TV and the internet where guests can ask impromptu questions which Bro. Eli answers with verses from the Scriptures.

Eliseo Fernando Soriano, more popularly known as Brother Eli, was a Filipino televangelist and the Overall Servant of the Members Church of God International (MCGI).

The world knew him as fearless, intelligent, and frank – exceptional traits that enticed people from all walks of life to listen and watch his preaching of the Word of God, which he began almost six decades ago.

UNTV has been very fortunate to be the home network of Ang Dating Daan or The Old Path, the longest-running religious program in the Philippines which was hosted by Bro Eli.

The world-renowned preacher became popular through his Bible expositions in “Itanong mo kay Soriano, Biblia ang Sasagot”, wherein he uncovered different false teachings of various pastors and religions.

It was in these expositions that people worldwide recognized and admired his manner of answering thrown-in questions about the Bible live and on the spot, leaving nothing unanswered.  No other religious groups have attempted to replicate his style of teaching the word of God.

The world had been a witness on how Bro. Eli had a big heart for helping the needy just as he had kept the passion of preaching the word of God burning in his heart.

While the world stood still because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Bro Eli continued to reach out to people and propagate the good news of God through television and web-streaming – winning thousands of souls and leading them to the promised salvation of God.

And while feeding the minds and souls of people, Bro Eli also endeavored to fill the stomach and nourish the body of those who had been adversely affected by the pandemic. Through his directive, volunteers from the MCGI all over the world donated food and other necessities to get people by during this challenging time.

UNTV has been the primary partner of the MCGI in rendering public service to Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike.

Bro Eli, along with UNTV President and CEO Daniel Razon, was behind all the station’s charity works such as home care facilities for the orphans, homeless, widows; feeding programs; free education; medical and legal mission; and other public service programs.

While Bro Eli may no longer be with us physically, all of his advocacies and legacy will continue — a true brother to all, a loving grandfather, a caring parent to orphans and a lowly servant to all his followers.

Thanks be to God for your life, Bro Eli Soriano — a truly Filipino pride.

MANILA, Philippines – As the news spread on Friday of the death of Brother Eliseo “Eli” Soriano of “Ang Dating Daan” (The Old Path), countless messages of condolences poured in for the international televangelist.

The host of the longest-running religious program in the Philippines, “Ang Dating Daan,” died on Thursday at the age of 73 and people from all walks of life paid tribute to remember his evangelical works and services to the public.

Malacañang, thru a statement from Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, extended condolences to the family, loved ones, friends, and followers of Brother Eli whose teachings “touched the lives and served as guide to many.”

“His dedication to propagate the words of God in the Bible was a clear testament of his steadfast love to serve his brethren and the Almighty. Our prayers go to Bro Eli as he may rest in eternal peace and happiness,” Roque said.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) also expressed sympathies for the passing of the beloved preacher and paid tribute to Brother Eli’s dedication towards faith and public service over the years.

“As the Overall Servant of the Members Church of God International, Bro. Eli led his followers to spirituality and morality through the teachings that he has imparted over the years and the commitment and dedication he has shown towards his faith and service,” PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement.

“May his legacy and teachings continue to live within the hearts and minds of his followers. We pray for his eternal repose and for his family, loved ones, and followers to find strength in this time of grief,” he added.

Senator Cynthia Villar also condoled with the family of Brother Eli and the Members of the Church of God International (MCGI).

“My family and I send our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and followers of Bro. Eli Soriano including the people of Ang Dating Daan and UNTV News and Rescue,” she said.

“Maraming salamat sa pagpaparating ng Salita ng Diyos sa ating mga kababayan. You have truly made a difference in many people’s lives by strengthening their faith in God. Rest in peace,” she added.

Senator Imee Marcos also extended her condolences: “Ikinalulungkot ko ang pagkawala ni Brother Eli na hindi matatawaran ang dedikasyon sa pagpapalaganap ng pananampalataya sa sangkatauhan.”

“Dasal ko ang paghilom ng kalungkutang dulot ng kanyang pagpanaw sa kanyang mga kaanak at kapatiran. Pagpalawin nawa kayo sa pagpapatuloy ng misyon na iniwanan sa inyo ni Brother Eli,” she added.

Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez have expressed sadness over the passing of the televangelist and condoled with Brother Eli’s supporters “who looked to him for spiritual strength and guidance.”

“Few are the people who come into this world blessed with the ability to inflame men’s hearts with a passion for God – and Brother Eli was one of them,” he said.

For Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, the preacher’s demise “truly leaves a mark in the hearts of our kababayans in Marikina.”

“While a man may pass this world, but his memory lingers, especially icons whose life has touched and mattered to countless souls,” he said.

“To our dear Bro. Daniel  Razon and Family, we share in your sadness during this time of mourning. Our prayers  and thoughts are with the family,” he added.

“We are one with you  in remembering and celebrating the remarkable life of Brother Eli, his teachings, his works, his memories. To Brother Eli, thank you for your life and your service to the world,” he further stated.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, meanwhile, remembered Brother Eli’s “generosity to the people of Manila in times of crisis,” as he urged the public to emulate his good deeds in reaching out for those in need.

“I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Brother Eliseo “Eli” Soriano. As a spiritual leader, Brother Eli touched the lives of so many people. We will forever remember his generosity to the people of Manila in times of crisis,” he said.

“We shall continue to honor the memory of Brother Eli by holding on to our faith and reaching out to those in need just as he did. Let us pray for his eternal rest,” he added.

The National Press Club of the Philippines paid tribute to the contributions of Bro. Eli Soriano for the good and welfare of the members of the press.

In a said resolution, the NPCP said “the Club forever owes a debt of gratitude to Bro. Eli for his congregation’s silent but steadfast support to its many programs over the years.”

Among these projects was the NPCP’s scholarship program which Bro. Eli, together with the Members of the Church of God International (MCGI), helped sustain for more than a decade now and provided an avenue for members and their children to finish their college education.

Likewise, the NPCP cited Bro. Eli’s selfless dedication through MCGI and UNTV which enabled it to succeed in its regular monthly medical missions that helped thousands of families including the members of the press.

The NPCP also recognizes the MCGI and UNTV’s unrelenting support for the Club’s quest for justice to the victims of the 2009 Ampatuan Massacre.

Netizens from different parts of the world likewise expressed their grief for the passing of the beloved evangelist, as well as gratitude for his efforts in spreading the word of God and guiding people to faith.

Brother Eli started his flagship program “Ang Dating Daan” in 1980. After years of challenges to find a permanent home, ADD and Bro. Eli’s other programs “Truth in Focus” and “Itanong mo kay Soriano” finally settled with UNTV on 2004.

He was forced to leave the Philippines in 2005 due to religious persecution. He settled in Brazil where he continued his global evangelization efforts.

He was known for his straightforward and courageous method of exposing errors in doctrines of various religious groups locally and abroad through his signature segment “Itanong Mo kay Soriano, Biblia ang Sasagot” – a non-scripted Bible Exposition being broadcasted live on TV and the internet where guests can ask impromptu questions which Bro. Eli answers with verses from the Scriptures.