Ethiopian Easter Celebrations Mark the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and Emphasize the Promise of Everlasting Life.

Easter celebrations are taking place across Ethiopia, where Orthodox Christians are commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In preparation for this special occasion, worshippers fast for 55 days prior to Easter, abstaining from meat and animal products. On the eve of what is considered the country’s most celebrated religious holiday, church services lasting into the early hours of the morning are held.

At Kidus Gebreil Church in Addis Ababa, priests, deacons and worshippers came together on Sunday to mark the day. The head of the church, Megabi Hadis Leake Mariam, spoke about the significance of this date. “We are celebrating the date our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ rose from the dead. When we say this, we are witnessing the resurrection of Jesus Christ in this service and emphasising that just as He rose from death, we believers will also rise,” he said.

During the Easter period, families and friends travel from faraway places to be with their loved ones. While most Western churches observed Easter on 31 March, Eastern Orthodox churches follow the older Julian calendar, marking the holiday across the world on Sunday. This difference in calendars has led to a unique cultural tradition in Ethiopia where Christians celebrate two Easters each year – one in spring and one in autumn.