Religious Festivals
Sheik Hussein Shrine and Islamic PilgrimageIn 13 century, a Muslim Sheikh from the Hadramut (a district on the south coast of Arabia, bounded west by Yemen, east by Oman and North by the Dahna desert), is believed to have landed on the Indian Ocean shoreline and followed the great river, the Wabi Shebelle, from its …
Kulubi, Saint Gabriel FestivalThe church was built in 1880.The festival of Saint Gabriel (kulubi Gabriel), the Archangel, is celebrated on every December (Tahsas) 19 Ethiopian calendar (December 28 Gregorian calendar) which culminates in a pilgrimage to Kulubi, about 68 kilometers from Dire Dawa. Orthodox Tewahido (one in union) Christians mark the celebration with colorful processions …
Gishen MariamIs located 483 kilometers north of Addis Ababa in Wollo Region. Gishen Mariam Church is situated in a marvelous landscape. A fragment from the original True Cross is buried underneath this church. Because of this, this shrine is one of the most sacred churches in the country. According to tradition, Empress Helena lit incense …
Fassika (Easter)Fassika (Easter) falls on every 27 April. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church offers special daily prayers during the Fassika season. The church members and those who offer spiritual teachings in the church do not eat until 3 o’clock in the afternoon with the exception of Saturday and Sunday when prayers are conducted early in the …
Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)Genna Festival is celebrated on every 05-08 January after a 40 days fasting among Orthodox Christians. On the eve of Christmas or “Genna” as Ethiopians refer to it, people gather in churches to pray in mass that lasts about 3 hours.The clergies, Priests, Bishop & people lift their voice in hymns and chant …
Mariam Zion, Hidar Zion Celebration of Saint Mary of AxumOne of the most fascinating and advanced legendary (may be real history) of Ethiopia is The Ark (lost) of the covenant of Axum. It is widely believed that the Ark is currently being held in the Church of Saint Mary of Zion, guarded by a monk …
Finding of the True Cross (Meskal)The True Cross is the name for physical remnants traditionally believed to be from the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. According to a number of early writers, the Empress Helena, (250–330 AD) mother of Constantine, the first Christian Emperor of Rome, at a date after 312 AD when Christianity …
Religious FestivalsIn Ethiopia; religion, especially Orthodox Tewahedo is inseparable part of life. The Orthodox Tewahedo Church ceremonies are unique and impressive; especially Timket and Meskel festivals which provide colorful ceremonies and celebrations. People dress in traditional costume and celebrate festivals across the country with colorful unique ceremonies such as Enkutatash (New Year), Meskel (Finding of …
Timket (Epiphany)Timket is the greatest Ethiopian religious festival. Timkat festival dates back to the legendary history of The Ark of The Covenant. It is believed by Orthodox Church and some scholars that The Ark of Israel, which they were given from God through prophet Mosses, is rested here in Axum, Ethiopia. It is primarily to …
