Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
Guarding Faith Amidst Darkness
Acknowledgment of His Grace Abune Sawiros’ Exemplary Moral Courage and Christian Humanitarianism During the Tigray War
Prepared by:
TIRCH-DW: Tigray Intangible Religious and Cultural Heritage Digital Watch
Global Advocacy and Transparency Christian Solidarity Platform
I. Foreword
In times of grave suffering and moral crisis, it is the rare leader who rises above fear, political expediency, and institutional pressure to uphold truth, justice, and the divine spirit of compassion. His Grace Abune Sawiros has exemplified such rare and sacred leadership.
On behalf of the Tigray Intangible Religious and Cultural Heritage Digital Watch (TIRCH-DW), we extend our profound and heartfelt acknowledgment to His Grace for his unwavering spiritual guidance, moral courage, and humanitarian solidarity. His defense of persecuted Tigrayan religious figures during the Tigray War will remain forever engraved in the spiritual conscience and collective memory of Tigrayan and global Christian communities.
II. A Dark Chapter Illuminated by Moral Courage
Between 2020 and 2022, the genocidal war on Tigray was accompanied by a systematic campaign of institutional discrimination and ethno-religious persecution. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) was not spared from this tragedy.
Tigrayan-origin clergy, monks, and religious leaders faced:
Expulsion from church duties without due process
False accusations and public defamation
Suspension or exile from their spiritual posts
Harassment, surveillance, and threats to their safety
Denial of basic rights including worship, livelihood, and community support
These actions were primarily driven by ethno-nationalist extremists within the ecclesiastical hierarchy, weaponizing religious authority against a vulnerable community.
In the face of this deep moral failing, His Grace Abune Sawiros emerged as a singular voice and guardian of righteousness.
III. A Shepherd in the Storm: Witness and Action
Despite considerable personal and institutional risk, His Grace Abune Sawiros acted with conviction and compassion to protect displaced and persecuted Tigrayan clergy. His principled interventions included:
Advocating discreetly against unjust expulsions and ecclesiastical suspensions
Providing shelter, sustenance, and pastoral support to displaced priests and monks
Upholding non-discriminatory church governance rooted in scriptural equality
Speaking against hate and division within the Synod, and advocating unity
Refusing complicity in a system that turned spiritual authority into a tool of oppression
His actions embodied the core teachings of Christianity love, justice, mercy and demonstrated the possibility of cross-ethnic Christian solidarity in the face of grave injustice.
IV. A Sacred Appointment: Honoring Integrity
We joyfully acknowledge the appointment of His Grace Abune Sawiros as:
General Manager of the Office of the Patriarchate of the Holy See of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
This decision by the Holy Synod is not only administratively significant, but symbolically profound. It is a powerful and timely affirmation of the integrity, conscience, and courage His Grace exemplified during one of the darkest periods in Ethiopia’s modern religious history.
This appointment serves as a sacred vindication of truth, and a bold step toward reconciliation, healing, and justice.
V. Message of Gratitude from the Global Tigrayan Faithful
On behalf of TIRCH-DW and the Tigrayan Diaspora Christian communities worldwide, we offer this enduring message:
“Your Grace, we will never forget your compassion. At a time when silence would have been easier, you chose to speak. When many turned away, you opened your arms. When others chose power, you chose love. Your legacy will be remembered in every Tigrayan church, monastery, and home as a symbol of sacred courage and unwavering faith.”
We offer this acknowledgment with deep spiritual gratitude and collective prayer, and we bless your continued service to the Church and the faithful.
VI. TIRCH-DW’s Ongoing Commitment
TIRCH-DW is committed to preserving the legacy and moral witness of His Grace through the following actions:
Documentation and Archiving: Digitally preserving the acts of moral leadership demonstrated by His Grace during the Tigray War.
Global Christian Education: Raising awareness within international Christian communities about the persecution of Tigrayan clergy and those who defended them.
Support for Truth and Reconciliation: Promoting internal healing and restorative justice within the EOTC and beyond.
Christian Solidarity: Advocating globally for anti-racism, dignity, and faith-based justice across denominations and communities.
VII. Conclusion: A Beatitude Realized
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
Matthew 5:9
His Grace Abune Sawiros, you are a peacemaker.
You are a child of God.
You are a beacon of hope not only to the faithful of Tigray, but to all who believe in the sacred mission of justice through love.
Prepared by:
TIRCH-DW: Tigray Intangible Religious and Cultural Heritage Digital Watch
Guardians of Sacred Legacy: Uniting Ancient Faith through Truth, Transparency, and Global Christian Solidarity
Global Advocacy and Transparency Christian Solidarity Platform
Representing Tigrayan Faithful Across Continents
