Abune Petros VII

Abune Petros VII was the 6th Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, serving from 1988 until his martyrdom in 1992. He is remembered for his unwavering faith and courage, particularly during a tumultuous period in Ethiopian history.

Born in 1948 in the small town of Dembidolo in southwestern Ethiopia, Abune Petros (originally named Tesemma) entered the monastic life at a young age and became a monk at the famous Debre Libanos Monastery. He was known for his deep spirituality and dedication to the Church, eventually being appointed as the Archbishop of the Diocese of Gojjam. His exemplary devotion to the Christian faith and his pastoral work earned him the trust and respect of many.

In 1988, after the death of Patriarch Abune Takla Haymanot, Abune Petros was chosen to lead the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. His tenure, however, was marked by political unrest and turmoil in Ethiopia. The country was under the regime of the Marxist Derg government, led by Mengistu Haile Mariam, which had come to power after the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974. The Derg regime was known for its brutal repression of opposition and religious institutions, and Abune Petros was a strong advocate for human rights and the Church.

In 1992, Abune Petros was arrested by the Derg regime for speaking out against the government’s actions and for his advocacy for religious freedom and justice. Despite being offered freedom in exchange for recanting his statements, he refused to betray his principles. He was executed by the government on July 29, 1992, making him a martyr for his faith and his country.

Abune Petros VII is remembered as a heroic figure in Ethiopian Christianity, a symbol of resistance to oppression, and a martyr who gave his life for the Church and the people of Ethiopia. His legacy continues to inspire Ethiopians and Christians around the world.