Orthodox Easter Celebrations Illuminate Ethiopia with Faith and Tradition

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Ethiopia, home to the largest Orthodox Christian population outside Europe, recently celebrated Easter, marking a profound display of faith and tradition throughout the country.

This significant religious holiday, deeply embedded in Ethiopian culture, sees adherents engage in a 55-day fast abstaining from meat and animal products, culminating in vibrant church services.

On Easter Eve, throngs of worshippers clad in traditional white clothing gathered at churches like Kidus Gebreil in the capital, Addis Ababa, for services that extended into the early morning hours.

These gatherings are a testament to the deep spiritual commitment of the Orthodox community in Ethiopia.

Megabi Hadis Leake Mariam, head of Kidus Gebreil Church, shared the spiritual significance of the occasion, stating, "We are celebrating the date our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

When we say this, we are witnessing the resurrection of Jesus Christ in this service and emphasizing that just as He rose from death, we believers will also rise.”

The celebration of Easter is not only a spiritual event but also a time for reunification, as family members and friends travel from across the country and beyond to join their loved ones.

This annual pilgrimage reinforces familial bonds and maintains the cultural fabric of the community.

While most Western churches celebrated Easter on March 31 this year, Eastern Orthodox churches, including those in Ethiopia, follow the Julian calendar, which places Easter on a different date.

This year, Orthodox Easter was observed worldwide on the same Sunday, reflecting the unified yet diverse practices of Orthodox Christians globally.

Ethiopia's Orthodox Easter not only enriches the spiritual life of its people but also attracts visitors from around the world, drawn by the unique and profound ways the holiday is observed.

The festivities highlight the rich tapestry of religious observance in Ethiopia and the enduring strength of its ancient Christian traditions.