The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has confirmed that at least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed and 20 others seriously injured in targeted attacks in two districts of Ethiopia’s Oromia Region on October 20 and 24.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, the Church’s Holy Synod said 14 people were killed in Gora Silingo, Angada Kebele, in Merti district on October 20, while another 46 died in attacks in Tereta Chole and Birbo in Shirka district on October 24.
The Holy Synod expressed deep sorrow over what it described as recurring attacks against civilian believers in the Arsi Diocese and other parts of Ethiopia.
It said the killings, displacement, physical injuries and destruction of property targeting Orthodox Christians had continued to escalate, describing the violence as a grave violation of the constitutional rights to life and religious freedom.
The Synod called on the federal government and regional security authorities to publicly condemn the killings, strengthen the protection of civilians, apprehend those responsible and ensure that they were brought to justice.
“Since such an abject act is completely unacceptable under any religious teaching or human rights principles,” the statement said, adding that the Holy Synod considered the violence an act that “deserves outright condemnation.”
As part of efforts to honour the victims, the Church held a central memorial prayer service, known as Tselete Fithat, at the Patriarchal Seat at the Holy of Holies Mary Monastery on October 26.
The Synod also directed Orthodox monasteries and churches worldwide to hold memorial prayers following the Divine Liturgy on October 27.
It further announced plans for a high-level meeting with senior government officials to discuss binding, long-term security measures aimed at preventing further attacks against Christian communities.
The Holy Synod reiterated its appeal to government institutions to uphold constitutional protections for life and freedom of worship, ensure justice for the victims and prevent similar incidents in the future.
