• Ethiopians mark Demera, Eve of Meskel festival
ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) Patriarch Abune Mathias urged Ethiopians to maintain peace and unity across the country through forgiveness.
The Demera, the eve of Meskel festival colorfully celebrated yesterday at Meskel square in the presence of Representative of Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Abune Mathias, President Sahle-Work Zewde and others.
In his massage on behalf of EOTC Patriarch Abune Mathias, Abune Abraham urged Ethiopians to maintain peace and strengthen unity through reconciliation and forgiveness.
“We preach the cross for the sake of ensuring peace and unity. EOTC demands to ensure justice, peace and love across the country via refraining from destructive activities.”
Addis Ababa Mayor Representative and Addis Ababa Culture and Tourism Bureau Head Hirut Kassew (PhD) for her part said that Meskel or finding of True Cross is a good lesson for this generation.
Culture and Sport Minister Kejela Merdesa said that this generation should avoid divisive activities to live together in a passion. It should maintain unity and peace by refraining from divisive acts. The festival has become world’s asset. As a result, the Ministry is ready to support the preservation of these kinds of festivals.
Meskel (True Cross) holiday marks the finding of the cross that Jesus was crucified on. It is a magnificent carnival celebrated for two subsequent days.
The eve of the festival is known as Demera, a bonfire which is lit before the end of the day to symbolize the smoke that led Empress Helena to the true cross.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
The Ethiopian Herald September 28/2023
