60 Orthodox Faithful Slain in Ethiopia's Oromia
The Holy Synod demanded state protection after attacks that killed children, wounded many, and destroyed homes.
At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in two attacks in Ethiopia's Oromia region, the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church confirmed. Fourteen of the faithful died on October 20 in Gora Silingo, Angada Kebele, in Merti Woreda. Forty-six more were slain on October 24 in Tereta, Chole, and Birbo villages in Shirka Woreda.
More than 20 people suffered serious injuries, and 20 homes were burned. The Holy Synod described the killings as "extremely tragic cruelty" and called for government protection, justice, and an end to escalating violence targeting Orthodox communities. The two assaults, four days apart, struck rural villages where Orthodox families form the heart of local life.
Eyewitnesses reported that attackers moved door to door, killing with gunfire and knives. Survivors fled in panic; churches in neighboring villages opened their doors to shelter the wounded and the bereaved, offering immediate refuge and care.
Officials suspect a rebel coalition that includes the Oromo Liberation Army, though the group has denied involvement in earlier incidents of this kind. The attacks have intensified alarm over the exposure of Christian communities in Oromia, where armed unrest has repeatedly spilled into assaults on civilians and their homes.
The Holy Synod called on the government to protect Orthodox Christians and to ensure accountability for the massacres. Church leaders also asked the faithful to pray for those killed, for the injured, and for families left without shelter, and to engage in dialogue with the authorities so that the violence may cease.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is among the ancient apostolic churches of Africa and remains a pillar of Christian life in Ethiopia. The bloodshed in Merti and Shirka Woredas has left devastated parishes and a firm demand from the hierarchy: that believers be able to live and worship without fear. Catholics and Orthodox alike are invited to hold these suffering brothers and sisters in prayer as the pursuit of justice continues.