Blog

25 Dec Hosanna Palm Sunday

The Sunday before Easter is the Feast of Hosanna or known as Palm Sunday. It commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ with his disciples into Jerusalem. People welcomed Jesus by spreading palm branches. Axum has a colorful procession for Hosanna which is worth a visit....

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25 Dec Buhe Transfiguration Feast

Buhe commemorates the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor. After the mass, people of the neighbourhood tie a bundle of sticks together to make a chibo (stick bundle) are burned with participants singing, similar to Meskel....

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24 Dec Fasika Ethiopian Easter

Ethiopian Easter is conducted in remembrance of the fasting, suffering, and crucifixion of Jesus. A fascinating all night prayer vigil is available at all  Orthodox Churches. Addis Ababa’s Holy Trinity, Axum, and Lalibela church are particularly special....

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24 Dec Enkutatash Ethiopian New Year

Enkutatash is the word for the Ethiopian new year in the official language of Ethiopia: Amharic. It represents the first day of the New Year in Ethiopia. It occurs on Meskerem 1 on the Ethiopian calendar, which is September 11 (or, during a leap year, September...

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24 Dec Meskel Finding of The True Cross

This vibrant national holiday has been observed throughout the country by Ethiopian Christians for over 1,600 years. It commemorates the discovery of the cross on which Jesus was crucified, by the Empress Helen, the mother of Constantine the Great.  On the eve of Meskel there is...

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