Ethiopian Christians are observing Good Friday

Addis Ababa, April 18, 2025 (FMC) — Christian faithful throughout Ethiopia are observing Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion and suffering of Jesus Christ.

The faithful gathered in various local churches, devotedly engaging in religious services that involve actions such as kneeling and prostration. This solemn practice serves as a tribute to the deep suffering and passion of Jesus Christ.

This day signifies the conclusion of Great Lent for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Clergy members recite scripture and sing hymns that pay homage to the sacrifices made by Jesus.

Mass services occur in churches from dawn until dusk, fostering a contemplative environment for attendees to reflect on their beliefs and the importance of the day within the Christian calendar.

At Menbere Tsebaot Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Abune Mathias, leads the ritual ceremonies of Good Friday joined by bishops, priests, and worshipers who gather for this significant occasion.

Similarly, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew, Archbishop of the Ethiopian Catholic Church, presided over the Good Friday ceremonies at Nativity Catholic Cathedral, highlighted the day’s spiritual importance, promoting a sense of reverence and collective contemplation among the faithful.

Throughout the day, church members repeatedly chant a sacred hymn and engage in prostration, establishing a spiritual connection to Jesus’ passion and sacrifice.

As evening arrives, congregants approach the priests to confess their sins and seek absolution. They are gently brushed with olive branches, symbolizing peace, and they prostrate themselves as an expression of humility.

The act of brushing signifies the suffering that Jesus bore. The upcoming Sunday will be dedicated to Easter celebrations, commemorating Jesus’ resurrection, a crucial event that embodies hope and renewal for believers.