The Ethiopian Orthodox Church faithful have celebrated Meskel, to commemorate the discovery of the true cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified, according to the Church’s dogma. Meskel is an annual festival celebrated every year on 27th of September. Demera, an annual bonfire lighting ceremony also is an annual festival celebrated on the eve of Meskel.
On Thursday, believers of the church were gathered in Addis Ababa Meskel Square and in their surroundings in other parts of the country. Priests, Sunday school students and the faithful were singing religious songs, prayers and practicing other rituals.
Demera (Eeve of Meskel) bonfire ceremony in Addis Ababa
Bonfire ceremony of Demera in Addis Ababa, which signifies the efforts made by Empress Helena to find the true cross, which had been buried for many years under dirt and earth, according to the teaching of the church. The bonfire lighting ceremony was attended by huge gathering of the faithful.
Meskel was inscribed by UNESCO in December 2013 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity. The picture shows, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Abune Mathias, President Sahle-Work Zewde and religious fathers starting the bonfire lighting ceremony in Addis Ababa.
Priests religious song ceremony
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Priests present religious songs and praying ceremony at the Meskel Square during the Demera ceremony. The priests dressed traditional cloths, most commonly used by the Orthodox Church priests were presented the praying ceremony in front of the guests where Patriarch of the Church, Abune Mathias, President Sahle-Work Zewdie, religious fathers of the church and other guests attended the ceremony.
Sunday school students praying ceremony
During the Demera ceremony in Addis Ababa, dressing traditional cloths, Sunday School Students of the Church were presented religious songs and a praying ceremony.
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
The Ethiopian Herald September 29/2024
