Religious leaders urge the faithful to celebrate today’s Easter by supporting the needy

Addis Ababa, April 19, 2025 (FMC) – Christian religious leaders have called on the faithful to mark the Ethiopian Easter holiday in a spirit of togetherness, compassion, and support for those in need.

Easter, known locally as Fasika, is one of the most significant Christian holidays in Ethiopia. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after His crucifixion on Good Friday, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over death. The holiday is observed following the Great Lent, a 55-day period of fasting and prayer.

Note that Ethiopian Christians at home and abroad are celebrating the Easter holiday today with various ceremonies, reflecting on themes of hope, renewal, and unity.

In messages delivered ahead of today’s holiday to be celebrated tomorrow, prominent Christian leaders including His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church; Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel of the Ethiopian Catholic Church; Reverend Dereje Jemberu, Secretary General of the Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers Churches; and Pastor Tsadiku Abdo, President of the Ethiopian Evangelical Churches Fellowship, emphasized solidarity, humility, and prayers for peace.

Patriarch Abune Mathias extended his heartfelt Easter wishes to Ethiopian soldiers safeguarding the nation’s borders, to Christians around the world, and to all Ethiopians. He highlighted Easter as a celebration of God’s boundless love and a reminder of the importance of humility. The Patriarch urged the faithful to pray for lasting peace and unity in Ethiopia, while also extending support to the less fortunate and remembering those who have been displaced.

Cardinal Berhaneyesus echoed similar sentiments, urging Ethiopians to celebrate the resurrection by embodying values of humility and respect. He described Easter as a divine manifestation of love, a time when hatred is transformed into love, division into unity, and sorrow into joy.

Reverend Dereje Jemberu also emphasized the importance of extending compassion to the needy during the holiday. He called for continued dialogue and reconciliation, grounded in mutual respect and understanding, to build lasting peace and national unity.

Pastor Tsadiku Abdo reflected on the journey from Hosanna to Easter, describing it as a profound lesson in humility and love. He encouraged Christians to honor Christ’s sacrifice by assisting those in need and praying for enduring peace and unity among Ethiopians.