Patriarch Abune Matthias Condemns Suffering, Calls for Peace in Oromia, Amhara, and Tigray

ESG – OCP News Service – 12/01/2025

Addis Ababa- Ethiopia: His Holiness Abune Matthias, the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, made a call for peace in Oromia and Amhara Regional States of Ethiopia on Friday, January 10, 2025. His Holiness emphasized the importance of peace and expressed deep sadness over inabilities to help one’s own people suffering from drought and famine in conflict regions.

The Patriarch called for an end to the hostilities in different areas of the country and urged the people to strive for peaceful coexistence. He highlighted the extreme sufferings experienced by the inhabitants of the Amhara and Oromia Regional States, describing it as “indescribable”.

Addressing the power struggle in the Tigray Regional State, Abune Matthias urged the leaderships involved to cease escalating tensions and to seek resolution with humility, allowing the peace-deprived population of the region to live harmoniously.

Furthermore, His Holiness recognized the grievances of Orthodox religious leaders in Tigray who had separated themselves from the Church during and after the war in Tigray, and who were excommunicated after uncanonical appointments. He acknowledged their pain and advocated for reconciliation, emphasizing the need to embrace peace and unity with open hearts for a positive way forward as all hold the Cross – a symbol of peace.

And in light of the recent earthquakes that have affected Ethiopia, the Patriarch assured that the Church would offer prayers for those impacted and called upon all Ethiopians in the name of God to assist those residing in high-risk areas to the best of their abilities.

Source:
His Holiness’ Secretariat