Public Affairs & Social Impact Executive; Educator, Entrepreneur, Strategist, & Policy Analyst; Civic Connector, Convener, & Good Troublemaker
Massachusetts, USA
Joined May 2010
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Samuel M. Gebru retweeted
Enough is enough!
People in Ethiopia’s Tigray region are once again cut off from the internet + the world, with services disrupted since September 25.
The region has already endured a blackout lasting over two years in 2020. It must NOT happen again.
france24.com/en/live-news/20…
Samuel M. Gebru retweeted
I am following with deep concern the situation in Tigray and in the neighbouring regions of Afar and Amhara, where hostilities have once again broken out. I extend my heartfelt plea to all parties to choose the path of dialogue. Armed conflict never solves problems, but only worsens them leaving in its wake a trail of death, destruction and resentment. Only honest engagement can lay the foundations for lasting peace. It is my fervent hope that the international community will offer its generous and timely contribution to ensuring that all humanitarian aid be provided to those in need.
Samuel M. Gebru retweeted
Thank you @NYNECopts, @AnbaDavid, Fr Samuel Hanna and @SMGebru, and all those who served alongside you, for a wonderful weekend of ministry.
Aside from the Liturgical prayers, learning, conversation, spiritual reflection and fellowship, there was an undeniable sense of love and fraternal blessing.
Samuel M. Gebru retweeted
Honoured to be present as guest of honour at @UKinBoston this evening at the invitation of His Excellency Consul General @Dave_Clay and address guests representing a broad spectrum of the ecumenical, official and cultural life of New England.
‘Christianity cannot be confined within the walls of church buildings. Our Faith calls us to recognise the dignity and sanctity of every person, and to stand alongside those who suffer, regardless
of their religion, belief, ethnicity or background.
In this respect, our communities can make an important contribution to public life when they remain authentically rooted in our Christian Faith while serving the whole of society, remembering the words of our Lord in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
On this, Saint John Chrysostom also writes, “This is the rule of the most perfect Christianity, its most exact definition, its highest point, namely, the seeking of the common good.”’
Samuel M. Gebru retweeted
…and then, a wonderful day of engagement around our ministry and witness “Beyond for Walls of the Church”
“While we understand and respect that ‘our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ...’ (Philippians 3:20-21), Saint John Chrysostom, writes, ‘I do not say, forsake cities and withdraw yourself from public affairs, but being engaged in them, show virtue.’
“The Church should neither become invisible in public life nor seek to dominate it.
She must be: sufficiently engaged to serve society, sufficiently courageous to challenge society, and sufficiently independent to avoid being held captive by society.
She must have presence without compromise, and conviction without hostility.”
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Samuel M. Gebru retweeted
Blessed to celebrate a joyous Liturgy yesterday with my dear brother and friend of 35 years, HG Bishop David of New York and New England, in Boston, and the warm and welcoming community there, and take part the ordination of a new deacon for the diocese and the reception of two wonderful young men into the Church.
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We tend to confuse commitment with perfection. It was an honor to deliver a contemplation on Luke 9:51-62 and on Oriental Orthodox Christian unity at Saint Stephen Knanaya Church in Maynard, Massachusetts, today. #orthodoxchurch #christianity youtu.be/3laUwAdT1kA
Samuel M. Gebru retweeted
Conditions in #Tigray are beginning to dangerously resemble the humanitarian blockade we saw enacted during the last war.
Local partners in Tigray and women’s health experts told RI that the population is "preparing for the worst."
Our full statement:
refugeesinternational.org/st…
Introduced some of my @TuftsUniversity students to @SenMarkey. He has served as a state & fed legislator for decades. Great for them to learn more about govt & politics, bipartisanship in DC, as well as when & how he engages with state & local officials. #politicalscience #mapoli
Who actually decides justice, and what shapes those decisions? Grateful to host Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden at @TuftsUniversity for a candid conversation that got at this fundamental question. #politicalscience #law #publicpolicy #criminaljustice #civicengagement
What does state #government actually look like in practice? Join my @TuftsUniversity students this Friday as they present insights from their internships across government offices, #advocacy organizations, and #lobbying firms: tinyurl.com/may1tufts
#politicalscience #politics
Samuel M. Gebru retweeted
Ethiopia is not, as this claims, "achieving food security" (telling how they pair food security with sovereignty) - the government has intimidated the UN & other aid agencies into no longer reporting how many people are food insecure in the country.
fews.net/east-africa/ethiopi…
Extracts from the 100 Days Reporting and 9-Month Performance of these six flagship initiatives under the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda are delivering visible progress across the nation.
• Green Legacy: Forest coverage has reached 23.6%. Farmers’ incomes are rising, green jobs are being created, soil and water are conserved, and ecosystems are healthier than ever.
• National Wheat Development: Ethiopia is achieving food security and sovereignty. New farming knowledge is spreading, raw materials now supply local industries, costly imports are being replaced, jobs are growing, and farmers’ incomes are increasing.
• Bounty of the Basket: Agricultural inputs are increasing, and productivity is rising. Nutritious food is now more accessible and affordable, small-scale trade is thriving, and the environment is better protected.
• Digital Ethiopia: Legal, finance, and ID systems are going digital. Internet access and online services are expanding, mobile payments are booming, and e-commerce is saving citizens time and money.
• Urban and Rural Corridors: Urban infrastructure is being upgraded with green transport. Quality of life is improving, local trade is awakening, and stronger links are connecting cities and rural areas.
• Made in Ethiopia: Manufacturing capacity is improving, and value addition is increasing. Imports are being substituted, foreign exchange earnings are growing, input supplies are stronger, and new jobs are being created.
These highlight how each pillar is turning challenges into opportunities and building a stronger, self-reliant Ethiopia.
Welcomed Orthodox Volunteer Corps to @TuftsUniversity & facilitated “Faith, Public Service, Politics”—seminar on faith vs. power. As an educator, practitioner, & Orthodox Christian, I navigate & negotiate this daily. #faith #politics #publicservice #christianity #orthodoxchurch
OVC founded in 2020 & 40+ alumni. Pan-Orthodox year-long immersive program in Boston & Pittsburg for young adults ages 21-29 committed to service. Corps Members are paired with local orgs, live in intentional community, deepen their faith, & grow as leaders rooted in the Church.
Invoking Christ to glorify oneself, justify violence, or advance hate is a distortion of the Gospel and an act of blasphemy. President Trump’s repeated abuse of Christianity and his recent attacks on Pope Leo are unacceptable. My thoughts: substack.com/@smgebru/note/c…
Today is Palm Sunday for Orthodox Christians. At first glance, it looks like a familiar political moment: a charismatic public figure enters a city, greeted by a crowd, signaling what appears to be a claim to authority. But it is far more disruptive… open.substack.com/pub/smgebr…
Matthew 25:34-46 NIV
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you…
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’