UN missions, diplomats extend Easter greetings to Ethiopian Christians

Addis Ababa, April 20, 2025 (FMC) – On the occasion of Easter, embassies, ambassadors, and international organizations have extended heartfelt messages to Ethiopian Christians, offering wishes of peace, joy, and renewal.

Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin, expressed his best wishes, stating, “I am confident that the holiday season will bring health, peace, and hope to Ethiopians.” He underscored the significance of Easter as a time for unity and reflection.

U.S. Ambassador Ervin Massinga also conveyed a message of goodwill. “As Ethiopian Christians celebrate Easter here in Ethiopia and around the world, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy Easter. May this holiday season bring you and your families blessings, happiness, goodwill, and a sense of renewal,” he said.

Ambassador Avram Nigusie of the State of Israel to Ethiopia and the African Union sent greetings on behalf of the Israeli government. “To all Christians in Ethiopia and across Africa, I wish you all a joyful and blessed Easter. May this occasion be a moment of peace, unity, and prosperity.”

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Atif Sharif Mian, shared a short but warm message: “I wish all those celebrating Easter in Ethiopia a happy Easter.”

The Embassy of Denmark in Addis Ababa also joined in the Easter greetings, noting that this year, Danish Easter (Påske) and Ethiopian Easter are being celebrated at the same time. “The Danish Embassy wishes everyone a peaceful and joyful Easter with friends, family, and loved ones,” the statement said. The embassy highlighted the importance of Fasika, especially within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, noting that the celebration marks the end of a 55-day [Great] Fast and is one of the most significant Christian holidays in the country.

In addition, embassies of Iran, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, Australia, Algeria, and Canada—as well as their staff—also shared Easter wishes with Ethiopian Christians, extending blessings and messages of peace.

The United Nations country mission in Ethiopia, alongside several of its agencies—including IOM, WHO, UN Women, UNFPA, UNIDO, UNESCO, UNICEF, and ILO—sent their best wishes to those observing Easter, acknowledging the day’s spiritual and communal significance.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) also issued a message of hope, stating: “As Christians around the world commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ this Easter, IGAD extends its warmest wishes for a blessed and peaceful celebration.” The regional bloc emphasized Easter as a time of renewal and resilience, reaffirming its commitment to unity, peace, and development across the region.