More than 590 Orthodox Christians Killed in East Gojjam Diocese in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

ESG – OCP News Service – 29/12/2024

Addis Ababa- Ethiopia:  During the 43rd Annual Parish Council Meeting of East Gojjam Diocese of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the scale of suffering due to the ongoing war in the Amhara Regional State between government and Fano forces was highlighted. Per the report presented, the conflict had resulted in a death toll exceeding 590 faithful, as well as the dispersal of over 700 ecclesiastical students from their centers of learning and excellence.

The report revealed the devastating impact of the conflict listing 103 deaths of the faithful in Enemay District, 395 in Baso Liben District, including an ecclesiastical teacher, and over 100 in Shebel District. Additionally, the report detailed the number of ecclesiastical students who had been forced to flee due to fighting, with 300 from Debay Telet District, 250 from Aneded District, and 230 Ge’ez and Biblical Exegesis students from Debre Elias.

Tragically, continuing with the plight of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, in a separate incident, a priest named Kokeb Takele, a father of ten, was brutally slain by Muslim extremists in the locality of Sahor Sar Weha in the Enfranz Sub-District of Gonder. Along with the priest, 11 believers, including a deacon, were taken captive by gunmen, who claimed that they (over 250) were carrying arms for protection. The priest’s body was laid to rest on December 23 after a military intervention, resulting in the recovery of his decapitated body.

Moreover, in Sherka, East Arsi, Oromia, further violence against Christians unfolded on December 14 and 15, 2024. 20 Orthodox Christians, including the Diocesan Manager of the District, were kidnapped for ransom, and some were sadly killed. This news comes after a previous report to the General Parish Council Meeting two months ago stated that more than 271 faithful had been killed in the diocese in the last year.

The persecution of the Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia continues as the pleading cries of the faithful fall on deaf ears, leaving them feeling as though they are without shepherds to protect them.

Sources:
Mahibere Kidusan Broadcast Service
Tewahedo Media Center