ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — Despite ongoing armed conflict and other significant challenges facing the nation, Ethiopians observed Easter festivities with renewed calls for sacrifice, love, and peace.
During Fasika, the Amharic term for Easter, Christians from various denominations, including the predominantly Orthodox community, united to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
For many Ethiopians, recent religious festivals have taken on deeper significance against the backdrop of conflict in the Amhara region and lingering instability in neighboring Tigray, where a devastating war concluded with a peace agreement in 2022.
At Bole Medhanialem Church in Addis Ababa, large congregations of worshippers participated in religious services on Good Friday.
Priest Leul Adbaru underscored the critical importance of comprehending the sacrifice made by Jesus, imploring the faithful to contemplate its profound meaning.
“Since our God, who died out of love, desires love, we ought therefore to live in love,” he stated.
Across the Ethiopian capital and throughout the country, extended church services were followed by the marking of the end of a 55-day fast.
This year, the celebrations held particular weight for Ethiopia’s most vulnerable citizens, who are grappling with soaring inflation, high unemployment rates, and the impact of conflict.
Fitsum Getachew, a labourer, waited for several hours to receive food at Medehanyalem church, joining hundreds of other worshippers in a feast that included the serving of traditional raw meat. This delicacy has become increasingly unaffordable for many due to the escalating cost of living.
While the slaughtering of animals is a customary ritual for such holidays, numerous citizens have been compelled to rely on the generosity of local charities to partake in the cherished annual traditions of Easter this year.
“Praise be to God! At this feast prepared by our devout mothers we have partaken of all things, even chunks of raw meat and we are giving thanks unto God,” Getachew expressed.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, urged Ethiopians to embrace humility, reconciliation, and dialogue as the nation, with a population exceeding 125 million, continues to navigate civil unrest and conflict in various regions.
