Addis Ababa – The ancient monastery of Saint Arsema, in South Wollo, in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, was severely damaged in a drone attack on July 22, 2026. Numerous casualties were reported among monks, priests, nuns, and faithful of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church who were at the monastery to participate in the liturgy.
According to several local sources, two nuns and six priests and religious members lost their lives. Numerous civilians and worshippers present at the site were also injured.
For many Ethiopian Christians, this tragedy represents far more than the loss of human lives: it has shaken the sense of security associated with places that have always been considered sacred. “Our churches and monasteries have always been places where people come to seek God, pray, and find peace,” an Ethiopian pastor said, describing the climate of fear that has spread among Christian communities.
“When a place of worship becomes a place of death, the faithful begin to ask themselves where they can gather safely,” reads a statement released on social media. “Whether the target was armed fighters or not, those who lost their lives were worshippers, priests, and nuns. Families have lost their loved ones and the Church is mourning. Innocent people should never pay the price of war.”
The attack occurred in the context of the ongoing conflict between Ethiopian government forces and fighters from the Fano militia in the Amhara region. The government has claimed that the militia members were using the monastery as a shelter.
The pastor quoted on social media statements explained that the incident has intensified fears among many faithful about attending religious celebrations, especially in areas affected by the conflict.
“Many people are living in fear and are afraid to gather for worship,” he said. “Parents are asking themselves whether it is still safe to bring their children to church, because they fear that what happened at Arsema monastery could happen elsewhere. This is a fear we never wanted to see among our people. We spend our days comforting those who ask why all this has happened. We do not always have answers, but we point them toward Christ.”
Despite the tragedy, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church continues to bear witness to its faith and calls on Christians around the world to support it during this time of trial.
“Our hope has not disappeared,” said another member of the Ethiopian Orthodox community. “Buildings can be destroyed and lives can be broken, but our faith in Christ remains. We continue to pray for peace, justice, and reconciliation in our country, and we pray not only for the families of the victims but also for peace in Ethiopia.”
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