٠٠:٠٤:٥٣Despite unfavourable weather conditions, thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Church followers gathered at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa on Friday to celebrate the holiday of Meskel, which commemorates the discovery of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Footage captured Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde and Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Patriarch Mathias Abune attending the colourful and deeply spiritual event. Clergy dressed in bright white attire performed religious ceremonies, with choirs singing and playing traditional instruments as expressions of gratitude and devotion to God.
Attendees reflected on the profound significance of Meskel. Priest Alemu Yohannes shared, "Meskel means love, patience, humility, and unity. As we celebrate this year, 2016 in the Ethiopian calendar, I want to send a message to those holding the cross, especially our priests: Please, be united. Let us not be divided, and let us carry the true cross with faith."
Megabi Haddis Tsega Weldetensay emphasised the redemptive power of the Cross, stating, "Meskel commemorates when Jesus saved our lives through the Cross. He sacrificed Himself to cleanse the world of sin, bringing peace, love, and unity."
One attendee noted the importance of the Russian Orthodox Church's participation, remarking, "Their singers always attend and deliver beautiful spiritual songs. This year, they joined us once again, and it filled me with happiness to witness their performance."
The celebration culminated in the lighting of the massive Demera bonfire in the middle of Meskel Square. This symbolises the moment when, according to legend, Roman Empress Saint Helena (known as Queen Eleni in Ethiopia) lit a bonfire whose smoke led her to the site where the True Cross was buried in the fourth century.
Meskel, meaning "cross" in Amharic, is celebrated annually on 17 Meskerem in the Ethiopian calendar (27 September in the Gregorian calendar, or 28 September in leap years). The holiday, which has been observed for over 1,600 years, is registered by UNESCO as an Intangible World Heritage due to its deep cultural and religious significance.
Faith meets festivity! Thousands gather in Addis Ababa for Meskel celebration, commemorating discovery of 'True Cross'
Despite unfavourable weather conditions, thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Church followers gathered at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa on Friday to celebrate the holiday of Meskel, which commemorates the discovery of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Footage captured Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde and Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Patriarch Mathias Abune attending the colourful and deeply spiritual event. Clergy dressed in bright white attire performed religious ceremonies, with choirs singing and playing traditional instruments as expressions of gratitude and devotion to God.
Attendees reflected on the profound significance of Meskel. Priest Alemu Yohannes shared, "Meskel means love, patience, humility, and unity. As we celebrate this year, 2016 in the Ethiopian calendar, I want to send a message to those holding the cross, especially our priests: Please, be united. Let us not be divided, and let us carry the true cross with faith."
Megabi Haddis Tsega Weldetensay emphasised the redemptive power of the Cross, stating, "Meskel commemorates when Jesus saved our lives through the Cross. He sacrificed Himself to cleanse the world of sin, bringing peace, love, and unity."
One attendee noted the importance of the Russian Orthodox Church's participation, remarking, "Their singers always attend and deliver beautiful spiritual songs. This year, they joined us once again, and it filled me with happiness to witness their performance."
The celebration culminated in the lighting of the massive Demera bonfire in the middle of Meskel Square. This symbolises the moment when, according to legend, Roman Empress Saint Helena (known as Queen Eleni in Ethiopia) lit a bonfire whose smoke led her to the site where the True Cross was buried in the fourth century.
Meskel, meaning "cross" in Amharic, is celebrated annually on 17 Meskerem in the Ethiopian calendar (27 September in the Gregorian calendar, or 28 September in leap years). The holiday, which has been observed for over 1,600 years, is registered by UNESCO as an Intangible World Heritage due to its deep cultural and religious significance.
Despite unfavourable weather conditions, thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Church followers gathered at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa on Friday to celebrate the holiday of Meskel, which commemorates the discovery of the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified.
Footage captured Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde and Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Patriarch Mathias Abune attending the colourful and deeply spiritual event. Clergy dressed in bright white attire performed religious ceremonies, with choirs singing and playing traditional instruments as expressions of gratitude and devotion to God.
Attendees reflected on the profound significance of Meskel. Priest Alemu Yohannes shared, "Meskel means love, patience, humility, and unity. As we celebrate this year, 2016 in the Ethiopian calendar, I want to send a message to those holding the cross, especially our priests: Please, be united. Let us not be divided, and let us carry the true cross with faith."
Megabi Haddis Tsega Weldetensay emphasised the redemptive power of the Cross, stating, "Meskel commemorates when Jesus saved our lives through the Cross. He sacrificed Himself to cleanse the world of sin, bringing peace, love, and unity."
One attendee noted the importance of the Russian Orthodox Church's participation, remarking, "Their singers always attend and deliver beautiful spiritual songs. This year, they joined us once again, and it filled me with happiness to witness their performance."
The celebration culminated in the lighting of the massive Demera bonfire in the middle of Meskel Square. This symbolises the moment when, according to legend, Roman Empress Saint Helena (known as Queen Eleni in Ethiopia) lit a bonfire whose smoke led her to the site where the True Cross was buried in the fourth century.
Meskel, meaning "cross" in Amharic, is celebrated annually on 17 Meskerem in the Ethiopian calendar (27 September in the Gregorian calendar, or 28 September in leap years). The holiday, which has been observed for over 1,600 years, is registered by UNESCO as an Intangible World Heritage due to its deep cultural and religious significance.