The St. Yared Association of the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church has issued a statement condemning what it described as the forced removal of Fellege Hiwot students from church compounds in Mekelle and called for their immediate return.
According to the association, the incident involved students who had been studying religious education and the liturgical tradition of St. Yared within the compounds of Debre Kidusan and Tsirha Ariam churches. The association alleged that armed individuals entered the church compounds and took the students away.
In its statement, the association outlined its religious and educational activities, including theological education, monastery and church development, preservation of the Orthodox faith, humanitarian assistance, and the promotion of St. Yared’s liturgical tradition. It said the organization has placed particular emphasis on supporting children and young people through religious education in the Tigrinya language.
The statement described the church as a sacred place of worship, spiritual learning, prayer, and moral formation. It also highlighted the historical role of the Orthodox Church in education, culture, music, architecture, scholarship, and social welfare, arguing that churches have long served as centers of religious instruction and community life.
The association expressed concern that removing students from church compounds disrupted their religious studies and spiritual formation. It characterized the reported entry into church premises and removal of students as an act that deeply affected the Christian community.
Calling for action, the association urged that all students allegedly taken from the church compounds be returned so they can continue their studies. It also appealed to Gospel preachers, religious media, dioceses, bishops, and the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church to publicly respond to the incident.
The statement concluded with a prayer for peace.
