Ethiopian Christians celebrating Meskel Demera festival nationwide

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2022 (FBC) – Ethiopians are celebrating the Meskel Demera festival commemorating the Founding of the True Cross nationwide with various religious and traditional events.

In Addis Ababa, the festival is underway at the Meskel Square, the biggest public space in the country, in the presence of religious leaders and senior government officials. Hundred thousands of residents of the capital, dressed up with colorful traditional clothes, flocked to the Square in unison to observe the festival.

Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Abune Matias and President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia are in attendance of the festival in the capital, Addis Ababa.

Patriarch Abune Matias, in his message, called on the faithful to observe peace, forgiveness and love while celebrating the holiday. His holiness Abune Matias urged Ethiopians to seek peace and reconciliation so as to bring an end to the conflict.

Mayor of Addis Ababa, Adanech Abiebie, for her part, said that the Meskel Demera is a colorful holiday that brings Ethiopians from all walks of life towards love and harmony. She called on Ethiopians to void hatred and observe peace, love and unity while celebrating the holiday.

The Founding of the True Cross symbolizes the reinvigoration of Ethiopia which is tackling all the challenges posed by its enemies, the Mayor noted, paying tribute to Ethiopians who sacrificed their lives to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.

Members of the clergy, students of the Sunday schools and large number of faithful sing songs and presented religious performances commemorating the founding of the Holy Cross.

The big bonfire at the center of the Square symbolizes the smoke of incense burned by Queen Helena and indicated the exact place of the whereabouts of the Holy Cross buried for centuries.

On the next day, Ethiopians Christians observe the Holy Meskel Holiday by attending church services, visiting relatives and the needy and feasting traditional foods and drinks.