Originally published in Premier Christian News
At least a dozen Orthodox Christians have been killed and a century-old church destroyed in a fresh wave of attacks in Ethiopia’s Arsi Zone.
The violence, which took place on May 30, left homes and buildings in ruins, including the 101-year-old Telata St Gabriel Church. More than 280 people have also been displaced.
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According to local sources, residents were warned that an attack was imminent before armed men descended on the area. Many fled, carrying church relics and whatever personal belongings they could manage to take with them.
The attackers have not been identified, but local reports suggest Orthodox Christians and their places of worship were specifically targeted. No similar attacks have been reported against other communities in the predominantly Muslim region.
In a statement, Arsi Diocese Public Relation Media said: “Orthodox Christians have been forced from the homes where they were born, raised and built their lives. Their houses were singled out and burned solely because of their religion, and their property and livestock were looted.”
It added: “Those residents who survived the attacks fled with nothing but their faith and identity, and they are now left stranded in open areas without shelter.”
Persecution watchdog Open Doors has said the latest violence follows a series of deadly incidents in the Arsi Zone in recent years. In March, almost 30 believers were reportedly killed when attackers stormed a market and a church.
Local sources say violence against Orthodox Christians in the region has intensified since 2020. Another major attack in October 2025 reportedly left more than 30 Christians dead and forced many others from their homes.
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