ETHIOPIA: ‘Sign of Hope’: Bahir Dar–Dessie Eparchy Celebrates Decade Amid Amhara Conflict
Habtamu Abrdew Beture
Bishop Lisane-Christos Matheos of Bahir Dar–Dessie Eparchy, in Ethiopia, has announced its 10th-anniversary celebrations, a milestone marked by both spiritual reflection and a call for solidarity as the Amhara region continues to grapple with devastating conflict.
The highlight of the upcoming celebration will be the laying of the foundation stone for the new and first Cathedral, which the bishop has described as a “sign of a new era of grace” for the Eparchy.
“While the foundation stone will be laid during the 10th-anniversary celebration, the construction of the Cathedral is a long-term project that will require ongoing support long after the festivities end, the Bishop stated, acknowledging the logistical challenges of building such a structure during a period of regional unrest.
The anniversary comes at a sombre time for the region. The Amhara region is currently embroiled in a persistent war that has disrupted daily life, displaced thousands, and created a dire humanitarian situation. Despite the surrounding instability, church leaders are framing the anniversary as a testament to resilience and “God’s saving work” with both growth and severe trials.
