27th October 2026

At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in separate attacks on October 20 and 24 in Ethiopia’s Oromia region. In addition more than 20 people were seriously injured and 20 homes burned down. One resident, whose 75-year-old father was killed, told BBC Amharic; "We were completely unprepared and had no prior knowledge. They surrounded us from all four directions," he said.  The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s holy synod on Monday described the killings as “extremely tragic cruelty and suffering inflicted on our citizens”. The Church said attacks against Christians had been increasing recently, and that "such actions undermine the country's values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence". The Church had repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity with authorities at different levels of government, but that "so far there has been no solution". It called on government institutions to publicly condemn the attacks, strengthen civilian protection and ensure those responsible are brought to justice. 

Loving God, hear the cries of your people in the Oromia region. Strengthen the faith of the church and grant it resilience and your protection. Bring your comfort and compassion to all who grieve the deaths of those they love and the loss of homes, and place your healing hand on all who are injured. May the authorities work urgently and diligently to ensure people can live in safety. Loving God bless the church may it continue to live out the Gospel of Christ and in so doing draw people closer to you. In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

Kelly Petts, is the office and business support manager t roofing design specialists TaperedPlus, based in the north-east of England. Kelly had a fear of flying that she wanted to overcome, so she decided to jump out of an aeroplane. Kelly raised just under £1000 for Teesside Hospice by taking on a parachute jump.  Her efforts have also helped secure additional support through a Community Grant from the BGF Foundation. Kelly volunteered for the skydive during a visit to the hospice. She said: “As the day got closer, I was definitely regretting volunteering myself! I don’t remember much after sitting strapped to my instructor with my legs dangling out of the door. It was terrifying, but I’m glad I did it because it’s such an important cause."  Kelly's amazing bravery forms part of TaperedPlus's wider commitment to supporting the hospice through fundraising and employee involvement. Hassan Hameed, corporate partnerships manager at Teesside Hospice, also praised Kelly. He said: “We’re always so thankful for our fundraisers, but the fact that Kelly was afraid of flying makes us even more grateful for the effort she went through. Raising just under £1000 on her own, as well as securing a further grant for the Hospice, is an enormous achievement and reflects the values and support of not only Kelly, but also the wider TaperedPlus team.”

Eternal God,

with joy, I sing to you.

Your Word has brought forth life

And you reign majestically over all.

I give you thanks and praise for you have fearfully,

and wonderfully, made me.

From the heavens streams of your mercy engulf me.

You saturate me with your love and care

and you call me friend.

I give your praise and adoration with all my being. 

May everything that has life sing your praise.

I long to see all people lift their hands in praise

and hear their songs of adoration.

You are truly great and mighty powerful and Holy,

loving, caring, merciful and wise.

Blessing and honour and glory and power

be yours forever

Almighty God. Amen.