His Holiness Abune Mathias Calls for Peace and National Dialogue

Menetasnot Desta (Delegate of Horn of Africa & Head of Ethiopian Affairs) and ESG – OCP News Service– 19/08/2023

Addis-Ababa-Ethiopia: On Friday, August 18, 2023, His Holiness Abune Mathias addressed Ethiopians within the country and abroad, calling for peace and reconciliation. In his speech, His Holiness stated that the civil war that aggravated in the Amhara Regional State was shocking and saddening, as it came after hope for peace in the Tigray Regional State.

The Primate also expressed that he was grieved greatly since, as a father, he was not able to save his children from the tribulations that transpired in the past years that included war, famine, inhumane acts such as crucifying persons upside down, the burning of people alive, and unspeakable atrocities committed against pregnant women.

His Holiness stated that even though millions have perished from war, lessons were not learned and hearts did not soften thus what was to come was much frightening. Hence, His Holiness entreated and stressed for those armed in all four corners of the nation to put down their weapons and give priority to peace and reconciliation, and to be obedient to the continuance of their only country, and for the government to be open and invite all for talks.

He likewise called on elders to play their part, Ethiopians in the diaspora to put in efforts for peace, the international community to give due attention and support, and the clergy to reconcile.

Abune Mathias also noted that though his patriarchal era was marred by heartbreaking afflictions, the grief, and adversities that his children were passing through were worse, and quoting 1Pet. 4:3 stated that all tribulations should not pass to the coming new year and that peace to be declared, and the land to rest from bloodshed.

Source:
His Holiness’ Secretariat