🚨 Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Holy Synod announces that 60 believers were killed in Arsi Zone over the past few days Source: @MeseretMedia The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has announced that 60 Orthodox Christian believers were brutally killed in Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, during attacks on October 20 and 24, 2026. According to the Holy Synod's statement: ▪️14 believers were killed in Gora Silingo, Angada Kebele, Merti Woreda. ▪️46 believers were killed in Tereta, Chole and Birbo, Shirka Woreda. ▪️20 residential homes belonging to believers were completely burned down. ▪️More than 20 people sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment in hospitals. Holy Synod condemns the continued massacres of Orthodox Christians The Holy Synod stated: "The extremely horrific and appalling massacres, displacement, physical injuries and destruction of property being inflicted upon our innocent Orthodox Christian children in the Arsi Diocese and various parts of our country have continued without interruption and are worsening over time. It is also known that numerous believers have previously been killed in different woredas of the zone." The Synod explained that its plenary assembly had observed the immense suffering and atrocities inflicted upon the population with profound sorrow. It emphasized that such acts are entirely unacceptable under the teachings of any religion and violate fundamental human rights. The statement continued: "These inhumane acts violate the constitutional rights to freedom of religion and life, contradict religious teachings and the natural principles of humanity, and destroy our national values of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Therefore, the Plenary Assembly of the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church strongly condemns these acts." Holy Synod calls on authorities to stop the killings and bring perpetrators to justice The Holy Synod issued an urgent appeal to the relevant authorities, calling on them to publicly condemn the killings and take immediate measures to protect civilians. The statement declared: "The Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church strongly urges the responsible authorities to publicly condemn these inhumane acts, uphold the constitutionally guaranteed rights to life and freedom of worship, and bring the perpetrators of these atrocities before the law." The Synod further called on authorities to uphold the rule of law and provide the necessary legal protection to prevent similar acts of violence from recurring. It emphasized that the responsible institutions must fulfill their obligations to protect citizens and ensure that such atrocities do not happen again. Holy Synod demands immediate security protection for Orthodox Christians Expressing profound grief over the loss of life, the Holy Synod stated: "We urge the government to provide the necessary protection to our faithful children wherever they may be, so that they do not suffer similar attacks. We also call upon the relevant security institutions to give this matter special attention and take the necessary protective measures until the problem is resolved, working to prevent further dangers." The Synod extended its condolences to the families of those killed and to all Ethiopians. It added: "The Holy Church prays that Almighty God grant eternal rest and the honor of martyrdom to our people who unjustly lost their lives, and provide comfort to the families of the deceased and to all Ethiopians." Holy Synod announces nationwide and worldwide memorial prayers The Plenary Assembly of the Holy Synod also adopted several decisions in response to the killings. 1. Memorial prayers on October 26, 2026 The Holy Synod decided that funeral and memorial prayers would be conducted on October 26, 2026 (Tikimt 16, 2019 E.C.), by members of the Plenary Assembly at the Patriarchal See's Holy of Holies St. Mary Monastery. 2. Worldwide memorial prayers on October 27, 2026 The Synod instructed all Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church monasteries and churches throughout the world to conduct funeral and memorial prayers following the Divine Liturgy on October 27, 2026 (Tikimt 17, 2019 E.C.), in remembrance of the victims. 3. Meeting with senior government officials The Plenary Assembly decided to arrange a meeting with the relevant senior government official to discuss the killings and the security situation affecting Orthodox Christians. 4. Long-term measures to prevent further attacks The Holy Synod also resolved to pursue appropriate efforts toward a lasting solution to the violence and insecurity affecting Orthodox Christian communities. The statement concluded by emphasizing the Church's determination to seek protection for its believers, accountability for those responsible for the killings, and lasting measures to prevent further atrocities.