Ethiopians Celebrate Easter with Heartfelt Calls for Charity, Peace, and National Unity
Ethiopians across the country and in the diaspora came together this weekend to celebrate Easter, known locally as Fasika, with vibrant religious traditions, family gatherings, and renewed calls for peace and compassion amid ongoing social and political challenges.
The celebration, which holds deep spiritual significance in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, began with solemn midnight church services on Saturday, followed by joyful festivities on Sunday. Worshippers filled cathedrals and local churches across the nation, many dressed in traditional white garments, as priests led liturgies marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Religious leaders used the occasion to urge Ethiopians to embrace the core Easter values of forgiveness, charity, and reconciliation. In his Easter message, His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, called on citizens to extend compassion to one another and work towards lasting peace in a country that has experienced waves of political unrest and regional conflict in recent years.
“Easter is a time of hope and renewal,” the Patriarch said. “Let us reach out to our neighbors, support the poor, and pray for unity and healing in our nation.”
Government officials echoed these sentiments, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extending his Easter greetings to the Ethiopian people. He emphasized the importance of national harmony and encouraged communities to resolve differences through dialogue and understanding.
“This sacred holiday reminds us of the power of love and sacrifice,” the Prime Minister stated. “Let us celebrate Fasika not only with food and festivity but with acts of charity and a commitment to building a peaceful Ethiopia.”
Across the country, communities prepared traditional Easter meals following weeks of fasting, which is customary in Ethiopian Orthodox tradition. Families gathered to share dishes such as doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and injera, symbolizing joy and gratitude at the end of the fasting season.
While the celebrations were largely peaceful, some regions observed the holiday under tight security due to past tensions. Nonetheless, citizens expressed hope that the Easter message would serve as a foundation for healing and social progress.
Charitable initiatives also took center stage, with local organizations and religious institutions organizing food drives and support for vulnerable populations. Many Ethiopians donated to those in need, highlighting the strong cultural emphasis on generosity during religious holidays.
As Ethiopia navigates a path toward stability, this year’s Easter served as a powerful reminder of the unifying role of faith and the shared desire for a more harmonious future. The blend of spiritual devotion, cultural pride, and social consciousness underscored the enduring strength of Ethiopian traditions during times of uncertainty.
Source : Swifteradio.com
