Religion

Patriarch Abune Mathias Urges Peace in New Year Message

AI SUMMARY

In his New Year message for 2019 E.C., Patriarch Abune Mathias called on all Ethiopians to end man-made bloodshed and protect religious institutions.

Patriarch Abune Mathias I delivered a New Year address for 2019 E.C.
The Patriarch called on Ethiopians to halt man-made bloodshed, violent conflict, and the targeting of religious institutions.
Ongoing hostilities have claimed numerous lives, displaced citizens, and led to the destruction of sacred monasteries and churches across multiple regions.
The current crises stem from human decisions and cruelty rather than natural disasters and can be overcome through deliberate human will.
Political and social actors were urged to abandon warfare, extremism, and systemic violence in favor of immediate reconciliation.
Citizens were encouraged to view the country as a collective destiny and resolve differences through dialogue, mutual forgiveness, and consensus.
The Patriarch offered prayers for divine intervention to restore stability, heal national wounds, and grant lasting peace.