Source: National Archives & Historic Records of Ethiopian Empire
Religion • Historical Archive • 🇪🇹 Ethiopia • 0 views

Abuna Petros 🇪🇹

Haile Maryam Ghebru (Known as "Petros")
Bishop of Wello, Martyr of Ethiopian Independence, Anti-Fascist Hero
Born c. 1892 🇪🇹 Fiche, Selale, Ethiopia
Passed Away Jul 29, 1936 Addis Ababa, Italian East Africa
Lifespan 44 years old
0 views
Notice / Correction
"The tears of my countrymen will conquer; may the very earth of Ethiopia reject the boots of the fascist invader!"

Archival Overview

Saintly Ethiopian Orthodox Archbishop of Wello executed by Italian fascist firing squad on July 29, 1936, after courageously declaring: 'The land of Ethiopia cannot accept the invader; may the soil curse whoever submits.'

Biographical Record

Haile Maryam Ghebru was born circa 1892 in Fiche, Selale. Educated at the ancient monastic universities of Debre Libanos, he was consecrated Bishop of Wello in 1929, adopting the name Abuna Petros.

During the 1935–1936 Italian invasion, Petros accompanied the imperial army as chaplain, preaching spiritual resistance. Captured in Addis Ababa, fascist general Rodolfo Graziani offered to spare his life if he signed a declaration ordering patriots to lay down arms. Holding his hand cross high, Petros refused: 'The land of Ethiopia can never accept foreign rule; my soul belongs to God and my country.' Shot by eight carabinieri, his bronze statue stands in central Addis Ababa.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

0 messages recorded

Leave a Respectful Tribute

No tributes recorded yet. Be the first to leave a message in honor of Abuna Petros.

Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial
Abuna Petros Monument Memorial / Saint Tekle Haymanot Monastery
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
GPS: 9.0340, 38.7510
View on Memory Atlas
Archival Standards PastLegacies adheres to strict neutral biographical guidelines and legal standards of remembrance. Next-of-kin may request modifications or removal at any time via our expedited process.