(ማስታወቂያ)
Let’s introduce you to Abune Petros, a remarkable man whose bravery and unwavering spirit made him a true hero. Born in Ethiopia in 1892, he grew up to become a leader and an inspiration to his people. Abune Petros stood tall against the Italian invasion of his beloved country in the 1930s. His powerful words and fearless actions ignited hope and defiance in the hearts of Ethiopians.
Despite facing great danger, he never backed down. This is the story of a man who sacrificed everything for his nation, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations. Let's dive into the extraordinary life of Abune Petros, a true Ethiopian hero.
Abune Petros' early life laid the foundation for his remarkable journey. Born in Fiche, a town north of Addis Ababa in 1882, he grew up in a humble peasant family. Despite his modest beginnings, he possessed a thirst for knowledge and a deep devotion to his faith. Abune Petros received his education at the renowned Debre Libanos monastery, where he underwent rigorous training in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Taking his vows in 1916, he became a devoted monk and embarked on a path of spiritual service. His career as a teacher and preacher took him to various monasteries across Ethiopia. He began his teaching journey at the Meskabe Kedusan monastery in Amhara Sayint, Wollo Province. Later, he moved to the Debre-Menkerat monastery in Welayta, South Ethiopia, where he assumed the role of the teacher in charge. In 1924, Abune Petros was appointed as a professor at the monastery church of Mary, situated on an island in Lake Zeway, in southern Ethiopia. His reputation as a compelling and insightful preacher grew, and in 1927, he became the spiritual father of Ras Tafari, who would later be known as Emperor Haile Selassie. This role was bestowed upon him when he was assigned as memher (spiritual guide) of Menbere Leul Markos Church in the compound of the Gennete Le’ul Imperial Palace at 6 Kilo. Abune Petros' sermons were not only appreciated by his students and those in the monastic community but also by the local population. He dedicated much of his time to preaching, teaching, and spreading the word of God to the people in the regions of Dessie and Wereilu. His powerful messages resonated with the listeners and encouraged them to prioritize their spiritual journey, embodying virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. In recognition of his wisdom and leadership, Abune Petros was nominated in 1928 to become one of the four bishops for Ethiopia. During a visit to St. Mark's Monastery in Alexandria, he was officially ordained as a bishop and given the name Abune Petros. His new role placed him as the bishop of the central and eastern parts of Ethiopia, where he continued his tireless efforts to spread the gospel. Throughout his life, Abune Petros maintained a profound commitment to his faith, often engaging in rigorous fasting and prayer. These spiritual practices fortified his resolve and prepared him for the immense challenges that lay ahead. Abune Petros' early life and career shaped his character and laid the groundwork for his later endeavors. His deep knowledge, unwavering dedication, and captivating sermons endeared him to the people he served. Little did he know that his greatest test of faith and resilience was yet to come.
As Italy, led by the fascist army under Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia in 1932, Abune Petros stood alongside Emperor Haile Selassie and the Ethiopian defense forces on the northern front. Witnessing the horrors inflicted by the invading army, he saw the destruction of forests, villages, and innocent lives through the use of nerve gas and advanced weaponry. Related articles: - The Battle of Adwa: Ethiopia’s Defiant Stand Against Colonial Forces - Ethiopian History: 13 Important Events That Shaped the Country Despite the Ethiopian patriots retreating after the Italian victory at Maychew, Abune Petros remained determined to continue the fight through guerrilla warfare. Seeking solace and preparing for the challenges ahead, Abune Petros sought refuge in the renowned Debre Libanos monastery. There, he urged priests and monks to fast and pray for Ethiopia's deliverance, quoting, "My earnest expectation and hope is that I will not be put to shame in anything, but my Lord Jesus Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death" (Philippians 1:20). During this time, Abune Petros began questioning how a Christian country like Italy could commit such atrocities against another peaceful Christian nation like Ethiopia. For him, all Christians were brothers and sisters, pilgrims on the same path to meet God in Heaven.
He launched a crusade against the terror and killing machinery of the invading army, condemning their violent actions and the targeting of innocent civilians. Amidst the growing terror, some Ethiopian Orthodox Church priests surrendered to fear and accepted the Italian leadership in Addis Ababa. Through these priests, the fascist army attempted to win Abune Petros' support, promising him a comfortable life and an end to his preaching against their violence. However, Abune Petros saw these offers as temptations to sin against his faith and conscience, choosing to endure ill-treatment with the people of God rather than enjoy fleeting pleasures. The resistance against the invading army's encroachment and violence spread rapidly across Ethiopia. The patriots achieved victories on various fronts, fueling Abune Petros' teachings and preaching. He encouraged the people to stand firm in their beliefs, assuring them that God would soon visit the downtrodden people of Ethiopia. Fearlessly, he denounced Italy's claim to occupy Ethiopia through terror and violence, urging the people not to fear those who could only kill the body but to fear the one who had the power to cast into hell (Luke 12:4-5). The Italian authorities in Addis Ababa, aware of Abune Petros' influential preaching, sought to silence him. Despite his popularity and respect, they aimed to either win his support for the Italian authority or eliminate him. In July 1936, during a time when the patriots planned an attack on Addis Ababa, Abune Petros, adorned in his bishop's garment and clutching his hand cross, arrived in the capital city. There, amidst the grieving people under the grip of the invading army, he fearlessly preached. Soldiers received orders to arrest him and bring him to court on charges of treason against the Italian occupation.
While awaiting his court appearance in prison, Abune Petros faced pressure from both the priests in the city and the Italian officers to accept the Italian occupation and condemn the patriots. They presented him with an ultimatum: stop preaching against the violence and terror inflicted by the occupying army or face death. Abune Petros, resolute in his convictions, refused to comply with their demands. Through an Italian interpreter, he responded to the interrogating officers of the invading army, stating that he could not turn a blind eye to the crimes committed against his countrymen. He cited Isaiah 51:7-8, proclaiming that the reproach of man should not be feared, for their end would come like that of a moth consuming a garment. He also referenced Matthew 5:10, declaring the blessedness of those persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Following his steadfast refusal, Abune Petros was swiftly sentenced to death by a hastily assembled court. The news of his impending execution spread throughout the country, prompting people to travel to Addis Ababa to bid farewell to their beloved bishop, who had stood up for righteousness, freedom, and independence. Due to his popularity and the fear of riots or rescue attempts by the patriots, the fascist army decided to expedite the execution. Abune Petros was taken to the execution site, where a gathering of people, fascist army officers, and generals awaited. Before his death, he was given the opportunity to deliver his final speech. According to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church newspaper, Abune Petros took his hand cross, removed the blue cloth wrapped around it, and blessed the people in all corners of the world. He vehemently rejected the fascist army's portrayal of the patriots as bandits, asserting that the true bandits were the soldiers violently occupying Ethiopia. He prayed for the strength of the Ethiopian people to resist and never bow down to the fascist army and its violence, wishing that the Ethiopian land would never accept the invading army's rule. After delivering these powerful words, Abune Petros was executed by a firing squad. The fascist army attempted to suppress news of his execution, fearing the potential backlash it could generate both domestically and internationally. However, despite their efforts, Abune Petros' example continued to inspire truth and resistance against the occupation. The loss of credibility suffered by the fascist army, coupled with the growing domestic and international opposition, invigorated the patriotic resistance. Many individuals found the courage to leave the capital city, joining the patriots and fighting for Ethiopia's independence. The resistance movement gained strength, ultimately leading to the liberation of the country from fascist occupation. Ten years after his death, a statue of Abune Petros was erected in Addis Ababa as a lasting reminder of his unwavering commitment to truth, his courage in the face of violence, and his refusal to compromise for short-term gain or threats. Above all, it serves as a symbol of his unshakable conviction that all individuals will be held accountable for their deeds in this life before God. The popular Ethiopian Poet-Laureate Tsegaye Gebremedhin further immortalized the last days of Abune Petros' life through an amharic poetry titled "Petros at that Hour" (ጴጥሮስ ያቺን ሰአት).
Abune Petros' unwavering stand for truth, his unwavering courage in the face of violence, and his unyielding commitment to justice left an indelible mark on the history of Ethiopia. His legacy continues to inspire generations, serving as a reminder of the power of conviction and the pursuit of righteousness even in the face of extreme adversity. The example set by Abune Petros during the Italian occupation resonated deeply within the hearts of the Ethiopian people. His refusal to compromise his principles and his sacrifice for the freedom and independence of his country became a rallying cry for resistance against oppression. The news of his steadfastness and subsequent execution ignited a fierce determination among the patriots and strengthened their resolve to fight against the occupying forces. The memory of Abune Petros and his unwavering commitment to justice lived on in the hearts and minds of the Ethiopian people. His name became synonymous with courage, integrity, and unwavering faith. His final words, spoken with conviction and defiance, reverberated throughout the country and became a source of inspiration for all those who yearned for freedom and justice. Beyond physical monuments, Abune Petros' memory found its place in the collective consciousness of the nation. His story was passed down through generations, ensuring that his sacrifice and his unwavering faith would never be forgotten. His life became a source of inspiration for poets, writers, and artists who sought to capture the essence of his courage and the resilience of the Ethiopian people during those tumultuous times. The legacy of Abune Petros played a significant role in the eventual liberation of Ethiopia from the fascist occupation. His unwavering spirit and the sacrifices of countless patriots who fought alongside him laid the foundation for a free and independent nation. Today, as Ethiopians reflect on their history, Abune Petros remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering faith. His life reminds the nation of the importance of standing up for what is right and just, even in the face of overwhelming odds. In the hearts of the Ethiopian people, Abune Petros lives on as a revered figure, a spiritual leader, and an emblem of the unwavering Ethiopian spirit. His memory continues to inspire individuals to champion truth, justice, and the pursuit of a better future for all.
