[By Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice in Europe]
In Remembrance and Commemoration of Dekike Estifanos
Introduction: A Call to Remember Dekike Estifanos and Reflect on Their Struggle for Truth and Religious Faith
The story of the Dekike Estifanos is one of unparalleled courage, resilience, and spiritual devotion in the face of persecution and atrocity. These devout followers of Aba Estifanos, martyred under the oppressive regime of Emperor Zara Yaqob in the early 15th century, symbolise a profound legacy of faith and resistance against religious corruption, distortion, and authoritarian brutality. Their suffering and ultimate sacrifice echo through history, serving as a harrowing reminder of the dangers posed by intolerance, extremism, and the systematic targeting of intellectual and spiritual leaders.
The massacre of over 40,000–50,000 Tigrayan monks, scholars, and their followers in 1445 marked the first recorded genocide against Tigrayans, initiated by Amhara extremist rulers under the guise of religious orthodoxy. It was a deliberate attempt to suppress Tigrayan wisdom, theological reform, and intellectual independence—an assault on a community devoted to preserving truth, integrity, and faith.
As we gather each year on December 18 (Geez Calendar) at the historic Estifanos Andel Church, we honour these martyrs—known as the Dekike Estifanos—who stood steadfast against corruption and refused to bow to oppressive regimes. This commemoration is not merely a ritual but an urgent call to preserve their memory and recognise the continuing cycles of genocide inflicted upon Tigrayans—from the atrocities of Zara Yaqob to the modern-day Tigray genocide.
The Dekike Estifanos: Champions of Truth, Faith, and Reformers of Religious Purity
The Dekike Estifanos were disciples of Aba Estifanos, a spiritual reformer who challenged the corrupted practices within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church of his time. Advocating for theological purity, they rejected idolatry, exploitation, and the politicisation of religion. Their mission was to restore authentic worship and align religious teachings with divine principles—emphasising truth, humility, and justice.
Their teachings posed a direct threat to the ruling elite, who relied on religious manipulation to maintain power. Seeking to consolidate control, Zara Yaqob branded them as heretics, leading to their brutal persecution and massacre. The Dekike Estifanos paid the ultimate price for defending the integrity of faith, making them enduring symbols of resistance against tyranny and corruption.
Zara Yaqob’s Atrocities: A Genocide Rooted in Extremism
The atrocities committed by Emperor Zara Yaqob against the Dekike Estifanos were not isolated events. They were premeditated acts of genocide aimed at eradicating dissent, silencing reformist voices, and imposing cultural and religious domination. The targeting of Tigrayan monks and intellectuals marked the beginning of a systematic campaign to weaken Tigrayan identity and religious independence.
Zara Yaqob’s actions mirrored patterns of ideological cleansing, seeking to annihilate not only individuals but also the wisdom, traditions, and cultural heritage they embodied. His policies laid the groundwork for centuries of marginalisation, cultural erasure, and violence against Tigrayans, reflecting a deeply ingrained legacy of Amhara extremism and imperial hegemony.
The parallels between the 1445 massacre and the current Tigray genocide are both striking and chilling, underscoring a persistent pattern of ethno-religious persecution targeting Tigrayans.
Today, as Tigrayans face yet another wave of mass atrocities, it is imperative to connect these historical traumas and highlight their shared roots in efforts to suppress Tigrayan identity, resilience, and intellectual freedom.
The Modern Echo: From Dekike Estifanos to the Tigray Genocide
The ongoing genocide in Tigray serves as a continuation of the persecution first witnessed during the time of the Dekike Estifanos. While the methods have evolved, the motivations remain rooted in the same desire to dominate and erase Tigrayan identity.
Key Parallels:
- Targeting of Intellectuals and Spiritual Leaders – Just as Zara Yaqob executed monks and scholars, modern atrocities in Tigray have systematically targeted priests, teachers, and cultural figures, attempting to dismantle the region’s intellectual and spiritual backbone.
- Destruction of Religious and Cultural Heritage – Historic churches, monasteries, and manuscripts have been looted or destroyed, echoing Zara Yaqob’s campaign to erase Tigrayan religious influence.
- Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide: Mass killings, sexual violence, starvation, and displacement have devastated Tigray, perpetuating patterns of ethnic and cultural erasure.
By linking the legacy of the Dekike Estifanos with the modern-day Tigray genocide, we expose the enduring struggle against Amhara-dominated extremist ideologies and their attempts to silence Tigrayan voices of wisdom, faith, and reform.
The Significance of Commemoration: December 18 (Geez Calendar), Preserving Memory and Honouring Martyrs
The annual commemoration at Estifanos Andel Church, set against the breathtaking heights of Wurhet Mountain, serves as both a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage. It is a time to honour the martyrs’ faith, sacrifice, and vision for reform while reaffirming our commitment to resisting oppression in all its forms.
The Estifanos Andel Church, one of the oldest Estifanos Zegundagundo churches, stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the strength and resilience of Tigrayan heritage. It invites believers and defenders of justice to:
- Celebrate the legacy of the Dekike Estifanos as defenders of faith and reform.
- Mourn the loss of innocent lives taken in genocides past and present.
- Call for Justice against ongoing atrocities targeting Tigrayans today.
- Renew the commitment to preserving Tigrayan culture, knowledge, and identity for the future generations.
Lessons for Today: Solidarity Against Oppression
The history of the Dekike Estifanos reminds us that spiritual and intellectual freedom must always be defended. Their story challenges us to confront modern-day injustices with the same unwavering courage and devotion.
Action Steps:
- Education and Awareness: Promote knowledge about the Dekike Estifanos and their teachings to inspire contemporary struggles for justice.
- Advocacy for Justice: Demand accountability for crimes committed against Tigrayans, both historical and ongoing.
- Preservation of Heritage: Protect Tigrayan religious sites, manuscripts, and cultural traditions under threat.
- Global Solidarity: Engage international communities in supporting Tigrayan rights and ensuring “Never Again” becomes a reality.
Conclusion: From Martyrdom to Resistance
The legacy of the Dekike Estifanos transcends time, calling us to remember their sacrifices and continue their fight for truth, justice, and faith. Their struggle against corruption and tyranny mirrors the challenges faced by Tigrayans today, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity, remembrance, and action.
As we gather each year at Estifanos Andel Church, we honour not only the martyrs of the past but also the countless lives lost in the modern Tigray genocide. We stand united in preserving their memory, resisting oppression, and defending the rights and dignity of all people.
Let their sacrifices inspire us to build a future free from violence, genocide, and persecution—a future rooted in faith, wisdom, and justice.
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