The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reports 60 believers killed in targeted Arsi Zone attacks, urging immediate federal action and accountability
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — The Holy Synod Plenary Assembly of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) has issued a statement of condolence and strong condemnation following escalating massacres across the Arsi Zone of the Oromia Regional State, confirming that 60 Orthodox Christian believers were killed in targeted attacks across Merti and Shirka woredas.
According to formal reports submitted to the Holy Synod by the Arsi Diocese office, 14 believers were killed on October 20 at Gora Silingo in Angada Kebele, Merti Woreda. The Merti assault coincided with a separate massacre on October 24 in Shirka Woreda’s Tiruta, Chole, and Birbo areas, where 46 Christian faithful lost their lives. The Synod further confirmed that 20 residential homes were completely burned to the ground and more than 20 individuals sustained severe injuries, remaining hospitalized in critical condition.
Expressing deep sorrow over recurring attacks targeting civilian believers across the Arsi Diocese and wider regions of Ethiopia, the Holy Synod declared the violence a grave violation of the constitutional right to life and religious freedom. The Assembly urged the federal government and regional security organs to officially condemn the massacres, enforce legal protections, and apprehend perpetrators to ensure the rule of law.
To honor the victims, the Holy Synod conducted a central memorial prayer service (Tselete Fithat) at the Patriarchal Seat at the Holy of Holies Mary Monastery on October 26, directing all EOTC monasteries and churches worldwide to perform memorial prayers following the Divine Liturgy on October 27. The Synod also announced that a high-level meeting has been scheduled with senior government officials to establish binding, long-term security measures to prevent further attacks against Christian communities
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