Amhara: Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarch Condemns Monastery Attack
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Patriarch Abune Mathias has condemned recent attacks targeting religious institutions and worshippers in the Amhara and Central Ethiopia regions, calling on authorities to investigate the incidents, hold perpetrators accountable and strengthen protections for civilians and places of worship.
In a pastoral message issued on July 25, Abune Mathias expressed “deep sorrow” over a July 22 drone strike on the Ghion Abay Gadam-e Asketes Saint Arsema, Abune Aregawi and Saint Kirikos Fathers and Mothers Unity Monastery in Borena Woreda, South Wollo Zone of the Amhara Region.
The Patriarch said he learned with grief from the South Wollo Diocese that ascetic monks who had dedicated their lives to prayer were killed in the attack, while others were injured and monastery property and sacred items were damaged.
Reports indicate that at least two monks were killed and more than 10 others injured in the strike. Deutsche Welle, citing the monastery’s abbot and the head of the local church administration, reported that the attack hit the living quarters of female monks, killing at least two people and injuring 11 others.
Emahoy Welete Maryam, a monastery member who said she witnessed the attack, reportedly said the victims were preparing winter grain supplies when the strike occurred.
According to Abba Elias Teshager, the monastery’s administrator, two women died in the attack, one at the scene and another while being transported to Mekane Selam Hospital. He said six people suffered severe injuries, including traumatic amputations, while 14 people were affected in total.
Archpriest Qesiss Endale Semagn, head of the Borena Woreda Church Administration, said victims were transported to medical facilities with support from the local administration. He added that two people sustained serious injuries, with one urgently referred to Dessie Referral Hospital.
Other reports have put the death toll as high as seven monks and nuns, but the figures could not be independently verified.
Abune Mathias also condemned a separate attack reported on the same day in the Hadiya and Silte Diocese in the Central Ethiopia Region, where a place of worship was allegedly demolished and worshippers were attacked.
Describing the incidents as “completely unacceptable and condemnable,” the Patriarch said attacks against defenseless ascetics who have devoted their lives to prayer and peace were forbidden before God and brought shame before history.
“Raising hands against ascetics who have no material means to defend themselves and who pray for the peace of the country is forbidden before God and shameful before history,” Abune Mathias said.
He stressed that monasteries serve as centers of prayer, peace and spiritual heritage, arguing that protecting them is not only a religious responsibility but also part of upholding the rule of law and preserving national peace.
The Patriarch urged authorities to conduct investigations, bring those responsible to justice, provide assistance to victims and strengthen security around monasteries and churches across the country.
He also emphasized that protecting religious institutions should not be viewed solely as a religious matter, saying government and law enforcement bodies at all levels have a responsibility to protect human dignity, uphold the rule of law and safeguard national peace.
The statement marks Abune Mathias’s second public appeal in recent weeks calling on authorities to protect civilians and religious institutions amid recurring armed attacks.
In June, the Patriarch urged federal, regional and local authorities to act against violence in East Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region after a series of deadly attacks left civilians killed, churches damaged and hundreds of people displaced.
This is what the #AmharaGenocide looks like: @AbiyAhmed’s regime drone-struck St. Arsema Monastery in Amhara during liturgy, killing 10+ monks and injuring dozens. A war crime unfolding as the world watches in silence. #WarOnAmhara#UN@hrw@amnesty@AP
Ato Tantu defied the court to sentence him to its wishes. He refused to file a plea to mitigate his sentence, for doing so was an admission of guilt. He detested teaching submissiveness to young inmates by accepting the court’s violation of his basic rights. A Father to look up to!
@getachew_temare The behaviour of Abiy Ahmed eroded the trust in the current political system in the country. The political environment characterised by lies and deception, which make’s dialogue impossible.
For decades, they claimed the revolution was born out of genuine concern for the masses. It’s all scrambled now. Lencho Letta and Dima Nego have openly revealed the truth: the underground structures, the secret capture of key positions, and the hidden agendas.
The romanticized facade of "Land to the Tiller" was just a cover for systematic sabotage. From the Oromo-led Derg to Tigrayan elites (EPRP/TPLF), Amhara have faced 50+ years of systematic genocide. The #Amhara nationalist narrative wasn't a conspiracy theory, it was historical reality, now confirmed by the architects themselves. Stop staying in the dark.
🚨 URGENT ALERT - June 17, 2026
Large contingents of OLA/OLF (Shane) extremist militia forces, reportedly operating with elements of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, have entered Dera Woreda in North Shewa Zone (Oromia Region).
Reports and video evidence confirm they are targeting ethnic Amhara civilians with mass killings and looting.
This is the latest chapter in the systematic campaign of violence and ethnic targeting against Amharas.
The world must act NOW before another wave of atrocities claims more innocent lives.
@UNHumanRights@hrw@AmnestyEARO@eu_echo@StateDept@SecBlinken@antonioguterres@AUC_MoussaFaki
#AmharaGenocide
This video was filmed in Dera, Shewa. The ONLF Shene, commonly known as the Shene, are groups that the government secretly equips to create murderous terror among the Amhara community. The video clearly shows that they are directly accountable and connected to the government and are in close contact with the country's security forces and the regime's defense forces. These forces are prepared with the government's approval to attack Amhara communities. The video below shows the current activities of these armed forces in the Dera area of Shewa and their preparations to commit serious atrocities against civilians.
#AmharaGenocide