ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — This Christmas, Ethiopia’s Orthodox Christians are coming together for celebrations marked by prayers for peace amid a backdrop of ongoing conflict in the Horn of Africa. The nation has faced numerous challenges in recent years, leading many to seek solace and hope during this holiday season.
In Ethiopia, the Julian calendar is observed, which results in a Christmas celebration 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar utilized by Catholic and Protestant denominations. Ethiopians typically commemorate the occasion by performing animal sacrifices and gathering with family members to break a midnight fast together. This cultural practice is a significant aspect of their festive traditions.
Abune Mathias, the patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, delivered an impassioned Christmas Eve message broadcasted on television, emphasizing the need for harmony and reconciliation in a nation deeply affected by ethnic conflicts. In addition, various regions in Ethiopia have recently experienced natural disasters like mudslides, and recent earthquakes in the remote areas of Afar, Amhara, and Oromia have displaced numerous individuals, further compounding the sense of urgency for peace.
Even though a peace agreement was reached to conclude the armed conflict in the northern Tigray region back in 2022, renewed violence in areas such as Amhara and Oromia continues to inflict pain and suffering on citizens. According to UNICEF, approximately 9 million children have been forced to abandon their education as a result of these ongoing crises.
Almaz Zewdie, who participated in the Christmas festivities at Medhanyalem Church in Addis Ababa, expressed her heartfelt wishes for peace during the ceremonies. Wearing traditional white attire to signify the conclusion of a lengthy 43-day fasting period and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Zewdie reflected on her personal losses due to the turmoil, saying, “I lost friends and my livelihood,” referencing the impacts of the unrest in Amhara where government forces are clashing with local militia groups.
As the celebration carried on, Isaias Seyoum, a priest from Selassie Church in Addis Ababa, reminded attendees that Christmas goes beyond feasting and festivities. It is a period for generosity and kindness, where the community is called upon to assist those in need, particularly those affected by conflict and now taking refuge in Addis Ababa.
