Christians across Ethiopia are grieving after reports that a drone strike hit the historic Arsema Monastery in South Wollo, Amhara Region, during a time of worship on July 22, killing clergy and worshippers. 

According to multiple reports, two nuns and six priests were among those killed, while many others were injured. 

The incident occurred amid the ongoing conflict between Ethiopian government forces and Fano fighters in the Amhara region. The government has alleged that Fano fighters were using the monastery as a hiding place. Some reports also suggest that military operations in the area have involved tracking electronic signals, such as mobile phones, to identify suspected armed fighters, increasing the risk that civilians sheltering in the same locations may be caught in the violence. 

Living in the Aftermath

For many Ethiopian Christians, however, the tragedy has gone far beyond the loss of lives. It has shaken their sense of safety in places they have always regarded as sacred. An Ethiopian pastor described the overwhelming fear that has spread through Christian communities. 

“Our churches and monasteries have always been places where people come to seek God, pray, and find peace,” he said. “When a place of worship becomes a place of death, believers begin to ask where they can safely gather. Whether the target was armed fighters or not, the people who died were worshippers, priests, and nuns. Families have lost loved ones, and the church is mourning. Innocent people should never pay the price of war.” 

The pastor said the attack has left many believers fearful of attending church services, particularly in conflict-affected areas. He also spoke about the emotional burden carried by church leaders ministering to grieving families.  

“Many believers are living with fear, afraid to gather for worship,” he said. “Parents are asking themselves whether it is safe to take their children to church, because they worry that what happened at Arsema Monastery could happen elsewhere. That fear is something we have never wanted our people to live with. We spend our days comforting people who are asking why this happened. We don’t always have answers but, (we are) pointing them to Christ.” 

Despite the tragedy, the church in Ethiopia did not give up. Instead, it has stood strong, and believers are calling upon other Christians worldwide to stand with them in this challenging moment.  

“Our hope is not lost,” another church leader said. “Buildings can be destroyed, and lives can be taken, but our faith in Christ remains. We continue to pray for peace, justice, and reconciliation for our nation. Please remember us in your prayers as well. Pray not only for the families of those who were killed but also for peace in Ethiopia. We ask the global church to stand with us because our people are exhausted by violence.” 

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