Abuna

Some analysts say the patriarch, Abuna Mathias, has not been on good terms with the authorities since speaking out about the war in Tigray, controversially saying that a genocide was being committed there.

"Truly speaking, this year, we Ethiopians are not celebrating the festival in full happiness," said Archbishop Abuna Markos, resplendent in a white robe with gold trim and embroidered silver crosses and blue floral designs.

Churches such as Abuna Yemata Guh and similar religious sites around the world are part of the global human heritage whose preservation and well-being should be the concern of all nations.

“Abuna Semawi, nashkurak,” the pastor began in Arabic.

In an online video, the priest, who was nicknamed “Abuna Paolo” by Syrians, told locals: “God willing, Raqqa will be the first capital of free Syria.”