- Faithfull colorfully celebrated Demera festival
ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church urged the faithful and other fellow Ethiopians to contribute their share in the efforts of maintaining unity and ensuring long-lasting peace in Ethiopia.
Yesterday, Ethiopia celebrated the Meskel Demera (bonfire) festival; the Finding of the True Cross colorfully across the country with the various religious and traditional events in the presence of President Sahle-Work Zewde, archbishops, Ambassadors, senior officials and other dignitaries at Meskel square.
Speaking at the occasion, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church Patriarch his holiness Abune Mathias I urged faithful to promote coexistence and tolerance with a view to maintaining unity and upholding sustainable peace across the country.
“Currently, the world has been witnessing various challenges such as humanitarian crises, conflicts, various threats, tensions and others.” He called on faithful to ensure peaceful co-existence, ensure unity and maintain long-lasting peace across the country overcoming existing crises.
“Relentless efforts are need to practice forgiveness and to spread love in order to overcome the ongoing devastating challenges in the country.”
As to him, the Meskel brings salvation and an occasion where peace, love and unity are always preached. The teachings of the cross and observe the Meskel holiday an exemplification of love in harmony and solidarity. Living in peace, love, understanding, unity and forgiveness are the symbols of the Holy Cross.
The faithful across Ethiopia yesterday celebrated the Meskel Demera, the eve of Meskel with various religious and cultural festivities nationwide performing various religious rituals and other events commemorating the finding of the True Cross.
According to the teaching of the church, Demera bonfire lighting signifies the efforts made by Empress Helena to find the cross, which had been buried for many years under dirt and earth.
Similar Demera celebrations are conducted by the church throughout the country.
Meskel has been registered as world intangible heritage by UNESCO in December 2013, it was learnt.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
The Ethiopian Herald September 27/2024
