Thousands of believers filled Meskel Square in the capital Tuesday night for a beautiful candlelight vigil, celebrating Orthodox Christmas Eve with prayers and songs.
The event highlighted Ethiopia’s rich Christian heritage on one of the year’s most important religious days.
Traditional Vigil and Midnight Service
Worshippers dressed in white traditional clothes gathered under the open sky. Priests from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church led the service, which continued into an all-night prayer session.
This marks the end of a 43-day fast observed by millions across the country. Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, so Christmas falls on 7 January.
Breaking the Fast with Family
After the midnight Mass, people head home to enjoy special meals and time with loved ones. Common traditions include:
- Spicy chicken stew (doro wat) and other meat dishes
- Sharing food after weeks of abstinence
- Joyful gatherings to welcome the holiday season
Faith Amid Challenges
The peaceful celebration in Addis Ababa stood in contrast to security issues in regions like Amhara and Oromia. Yet the large turnout showed the deep role religion plays in bringing communities together.
Ethiopia’s Ancient Christian Roots
Ethiopia embraced Christianity in the 4th century, becoming one of the world’s oldest Christian countries. Its unique Orthodox practices, once linked to Alexandria, remain a core part of national culture today.
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