In a letter sent to the Holy Synod today, the East Arsi Diocese of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reported that nine Christians were killed on Sunday, May 31, 2026, alone. The diocese also stated that alongside the fatalities, the violence resulted in the eviction of 280 residents and the complete destruction by fire of the 101-year-old Telata St. Gabriel Church, a historic Orthodox church located in the Telata Chefa area of the Asako District.
However, the exact number of casualties remains contentious, with other sources claiming much higher figures.
This specific zone has faced an ongoing pattern of mass casualties and displacements targeting Orthodox Christians, with violence escalating significantly since July 2020. Prior to this latest incident, the most recent mass killing occurred in October 2025, when more than 30 Orthodox Christians were killed and numerous others were displaced.
According to the statement issued by His Eminence Abune Elsa, Archbishop of the particular Dioceses, these attacks have persisted despite repeatedly bringing the issue to the attention of both the Holy Synod and local government officials. Consequently, the diocese has called on the Holy Synod to take further steps by engaging directly with the government to halt the killings of the faithful.
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