In his New Year message for 2019 E.C., Patriarch Abune Mathias calls on Ethiopians to halt man-made bloodshed and protect sacred institutions
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC), delivered a solemn New Year address for 2019 E.C., calling on all Ethiopians to halt man-made bloodshed, violent conflict, and the targeting of religious institutions.
Reflecting on the severe trials of the past year, the Patriarch noted that ongoing hostilities have claimed numerous lives, displaced innocent citizens, and led to the burning and destruction of sacred monasteries and churches across multiple regions. He emphasized that because these crises stem directly from human decision and cruelty rather than natural disasters, they can be overcome through deliberate human will and moral courage.
His Holiness urged all political and social actors to abandon warfare, extremism, and systemic violence, stressing that the nation’s shared future requires immediate reconciliation. He called on citizens across all generations to view the country as a collective destiny and to resolve persistent differences through long-term dialogue, mutual forgiveness, and consensus.
Concluding his address, Patriarch Abune Mathias stated that a sincere mind inclined toward peace remains the only viable remedy for the nation’s current afflictions. He offered prayers for divine intervention to restore stability, heal national wounds, and grant the Ethiopian people an era marked by genuine comfort, unity, and lasting peace.
Video embedded below is from EOTC media channel
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We should all join His Holiness in pleading and praying for peace, security and stability for those besieged innocent common citizens of the old country that produced us all. Let’s all have in our thoughts and prayers all those who perished in that country in senseless conflicts and avoidable famines since 1974. Also, let’s not forget our son/brother Dr. Yeneneh Betru and daughter/sister Eskedar Melaku along with all others who were victims of the terrorist demons 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. On that darkest day of tragedy we also lost the best among us. May all rest in eternal peace!!!