Parish announcement · የደብር ማስታወቂያ
Manchester Church Holds Special Memorial Prayers for Victims of the Arsi Killings in Ethiopia
Following the weekly Divine Liturgy on Saturday, 31 October 2026, Manchester Debre Selam Kidist Selassie Church held a special memorial prayer service for the Orthodox Christians killed in Ethiopia’s Arsi Zone, Oromia Region. The congregation prayed for the eternal rest of the departed, comfort for bereaved families, healing for the injured and protection for displaced communities. Our church stands in solidarity with those affected and calls for peace, justice and the protection of innocent lives.
Following the weekly Divine Liturgy (Kidase) on Saturday, 31 October 2026, the congregation of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Debre Selam Kidist Selassie Church in Manchester gathered in solemn prayer and remembrance for Orthodox Christians killed in recent attacks in Ethiopia’s Arsi Zone, Oromia Region.
According to the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, at least 60 faithful lost their lives in attacks on 20 and 24 October 2026. These included 14 people in Gora Silingo, Merti District, and 46 in the Tereta, Chole and Birbo areas of Shirka District. More than 20 people were seriously injured, homes were destroyed and families were displaced.
Our clergy and congregation offered special memorial prayers (Tselote Fetehat) for the departed, seeking God's mercy and eternal rest for their souls.
The congregation also prayed for the comfort of bereaved families, the recovery of the injured, the protection of vulnerable communities and lasting peace throughout Ethiopia.
Our church joins the Holy Synod and Christian communities worldwide in expressing solidarity with those affected and calling for the protection of innocent lives, religious freedom, peace and justice.
We encourage our congregation and the wider Ethiopian Orthodox community across the United Kingdom to remember those suffering in their daily prayers.