Thousands celebrate Orthodox Christmas in Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christians are celebrating Christmas with prayers for peace in the country.
Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia follow the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by Catholic and Protestant churches. They celebrate Christmas with special traditions. Families slaughter animals, share meals, and break a 43-day fasting period after midnight prayers.
In his Christmas Eve message, Abune Mathias, the patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, called for peace and reconciliation.
“We must come together as a nation,” he was quoted as saying.
Ethiopia has faced both man-made and natural disasters. Mudslides and recent earthquakes in the Afar, Amhara, and Oromia regions have displaced thousands. In Amhara, government troops have been fighting local militias, causing widespread suffering.
Priest Isaias Seyoum from Selassie Church in Addis Ababa said the Christmas celebration is about more than food and festivities.
“It is a time to share meals with the needy and help those impacted by conflict, including many sheltering in Addis Ababa,” he was quoted as saying.
Ethiopia signed a peace deal in 2022 to end a conflict in Tigray. However, fighting continues in regions like Amhara and Oromia. UNICEF says these conflicts have forced 9 million children out of school.
Orthodox Christians across Ethiopia hope this Christmas will bring healing to their nation.
