Patriarch Kirill Sends Condolences to Patriarch Abune Matthias Following Tragic Church Accident in Ethiopia

ESG – OCP News Service – 04/10/2025

Addis Ababa- Ethiopia:  His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, has sent condolences to His Holiness Abune Matthias, Patriarch and Catholicos of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Axum, and Echege of the See of Takla Haymanot, following the tragic incident that claimed 35 lives on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

In his message, Patriarch Kirill expressed deep sorrow over the collapse of scaffolding erected for the finishing works of a new Church of the Theotokos (Debre Genet), which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. He extended prayers for the eternal peace of the departed, a speedy recovery for the injured, and strength and courage for all those who were grieving.

The tragedy occurred in Arerti Town, in the district of Menjar Shenkora of North Shewa Zone, during the annual feast day of the Virgin Saint Mary. The faithful had reportedly climbed the wooden scaffolding— to view the iconography in progress—when it gave way. More than 40 people are currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while about 200 have reportedly sustained injuries.

Sources:
-Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations (https://mospat.ru/ru/news/93633/)
-EOTC TV
-Tewahedo Media Center
-Mahibere Kidusan Broadcast Service
-TIKVAH-ETHIOPIA
-Abukelemsis Media