By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – As Orthodox Christians across Ethiopia celebrate the sacred occasion of Easter, His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, has delivered a heartfelt message urging peace, unity, and compassion in the face of continued conflict and humanitarian hardship in parts of the country.
“Lay down your weapons and bring peace through faith, unity, agreement, and the power of wisdom. This is the urgent call of our Church today,” the Patriarch said in his Easter address, shared with congregations both at home and abroad.
His message comes amid a complex national context, as Ethiopia continues to recover from the devastating Tigray conflict while addressing ongoing violence and instability in other regions, particularly Amhara and Oromia. In his remarks, Abune Mathias called on all parties engaged in armed conflict to reflect on the consequences of violence and seek peaceful resolution through dialogue.
“To those of you engaged in fratricidal conflict, we ask you to stop, think, and give peace a chance. It is time to serve bread, not bullets, to your people,” he urged.
The Amhara region, in particular, has faced severe instability over the past year following the federal government’s move in 2023 to dissolve regional special forces. This decision led to clashes between federal security forces and local armed groups, resulting in a significant toll on civilians.
According to humanitarian organizations, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, with over 2,000 schools closed due to insecurity. Many communities have seen the destruction of homes, places of worship, clinics, and markets, compounding the already dire humanitarian conditions.
Despite these hardships, officials in the Amhara region reported that this year’s Easter holiday is being celebrated in a “relatively peaceful environment”. Improved security in some areas has allowed a number of displaced individuals to return to their homes, and some public services have resumed. However, local authorities acknowledge that continued support is essential to ensure long-term stability and recovery.
Although a peace agreement was signed in November 2022 to formally end the Tigray war, sporadic violence persists across various regions. In both Amhara and Oromia, clashes between federal forces and local armed groups have kept parts of the country in a state of tension, further complicating national efforts toward reconciliation.
The Patriarch emphasized the urgency of pursuing an inclusive peace that embraces all Ethiopians, regardless of background or political affiliation. “Conflict and division only destroy; they bring no lasting benefit. The need for peace, mutual respect, and understanding is clear and pressing,” he said.
Abune Mathias also appealed for compassion during the Easter season, urging support for the vulnerable and displaced. “Let us stretch out a helping hand to our displaced brothers and sisters so they may find joy and relief during the Resurrection celebrations. Our message is a fatherly appeal to clothe, feed, and comfort those in pain,” he added.
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