Ethiopian Orthodox Christians are celebrating Easter at churches across the country, marking the day when their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ rose from the dead. This year, they are doing so by fasting for 55 days prior to Easter, abstaining from meat and animal products. On Sunday, worshippers wore traditional white clothing as they attended church services that lasted into the early hours of the morning.
At Kidus Gebreil Church in Addis Ababa, priests, deacons, and worshippers came together to celebrate this important religious holiday. The head of the church, Megabi Hadis Leake Mariam, said that during this time they were emphasizing that just as Jesus Christ rose from death, so too would believers rise.
Eastern Orthodox churches follow a different calendar than Western churches, which is why they observe Easter on a different date each year. This year’s holiday fell on Sunday across the world. While many Westerners may have celebrated with family and friends over long weekends or time off work, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians were busy traveling to be with their loved ones during this important time of year.