The Ethiopian Orthodox Easter is a time of renewed hope and salvation for Christians.

Wishing all Orthodox Christians a Happy Easter!

Easter is a special time for Christians around the world, symbolising renewed hope and the spirit of salvation.

For Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, Easter is a significant and joyous occasion that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time of reflection, gratitude and celebration as believers gather to honour the sacrifice and triumph of their Saviour.

The Easter season is marked by various traditions and customs, each of which has a deep meaning and significance. These include attending church services and participating in communal prayers, as well as engaging in acts of charity and kindness. Christians embrace the spirit of Easter in many ways.
One of the most iconic symbols of Easter is the Easter egg, which represents new life and rebirth.

The tradition of decorating and exchanging eggs has been passed down through generations and serves as a reminder of the joy and renewal that Easter brings.

In addition to the Easter egg, the Easter Bunny is a much-loved figure associated with the holiday, bringing joy to children and adults alike. This whimsical character adds an element of joy and playfulness to the Easter celebrations, embodying the spirit of innocence and wonder.

The Easter season also encompasses a rich tapestry of culinary delights, with special dishes and treats enjoyed by families and communities. From traditional Easter meals to the consumption of delicious desserts, the culinary aspect of Easter adds a flavourful dimension to the celebrations.

In addition to the customs and traditions associated with Easter, this holiday holds profound spiritual significance for Christians. It is a time for reflection and spiritual renewal. The resurrection of Jesus Christ represents the foundation of the Christian faith, and Easter provides an occasion for believers to reaffirm their commitment to their spiritual journey.

Easter is a time when Christians are encouraged to come together in fellowship and unity, with the objective of strengthening their bonds of faith and community. It is a time to share in the joy of the resurrection and to express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them.

As we observe Easter in our respective countries, cities, and suburbs, it is important to recognise the true essence of this holiday, which is a time of renewed hope, redemption, and salvation. It is hoped that the spirit of Easter will inspire us to extend love, compassion, and goodwill to all those around us, fostering a sense of unity and harmony within our communities.

The celebration of the holiday of kindness, humility, love, hope, and faith

The holiday season is a period of festivity, contemplation, and festivity. As Christians, we have a particular reason to commemorate this time of year. This is a period during which the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Almighty, the Doer of all, and the Creator of all are recalled. Despite His divine nature, He demonstrated self-abasement and made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down His life on the cross. His humility not only imparted a valuable lesson to humanity but also provided them with salvation by removing the burden of sin. This holiday should serve as a reminder for us to embrace the virtues of kindness, humility, love, hope, and faith, and to extend these virtues to others.

The concept of humility is one that is worthy of further examination.

The act of humility exhibited by Jesus Christ on the cross serves as a powerful example for all of us. It teaches us the importance of humility in our daily lives. When celebrating this holiday, it is important to reflect on one’s own actions and strive to embody humility. Consequently, we can learn to treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Humility enables us to relinquish our ego and embrace the childlike innocence exemplified by Christ.

The acquisition of kindness and courtesy:

In celebrating this holiday, it is of the utmost importance that we learn and practice kindness and courtesy. Kindness is a universal language that transcends boundaries and serves to unite people. It is about going beyond our own self-interest and extending a helping hand to those in need. By practising kindness, individuals can exert a positive influence on the lives of others and contribute to the formation of a more harmonious society.

Furthermore, courtesy is of great importance in our interactions with others. This entails treating all individuals with respect and dignity, irrespective of their social status or differences. The cultivation of kindness and courtesy can facilitate the development of a culture of empathy and understanding.

The concept of thinking good for all is one that is worthy of consideration.

As Christians, we are obliged to consider the well-being of all people. This holiday should serve as a reminder to extend love and compassion to all, even those who may have wronged us. This presents an opportunity to let go of grudges and embrace forgiveness. Consequently, such actions can facilitate the healing of fractured relationships and the promotion of unity within our communities.

The concept of thinking good for all entails the recognition of the potential for goodness in every individual and the subsequent treatment of them with empathy and understanding.

The concept of respecting and tolerating differences is fundamental to the understanding of human interaction.

In our daily interactions, it is of paramount importance to demonstrate respect and tolerance towards others. This holiday should be a time for us to reflect on the diversity that exists within our society and to appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences of others. By respecting and tolerating differences, we can create an environment that is inclusive and where everyone feels valued and accepted.

This holiday serves as a reminder that our faith calls us to love our neighbours as ourselves, regardless of their race, religion, or background.

Reconciliation and Unity:

Furthermore, this holiday should be a time for reconciliation and unity. This holiday presents an opportunity for the mending of broken relationships and the bridging of divides. By extending a hand of reconciliation to those with whom we have conflicts, we can foster peace and harmony within our families, communities, and nation.

This holiday serves as a reminder that forgiveness and understanding are essential for the construction of a more promising future.

The promotion of peace, unity, and prosperity.

Above all, this holiday should be a day on which we make a commitment to ourselves. This is an opportune moment to consider how we might contribute to the peace, unity, and prosperity of our nation, Ethiopia. By actively participating in initiatives that promote peace, advocating for unity, and working towards the betterment of our society, we can create a brighter future for generations to come. This holiday serves as a call to action, reminding us that we all have a role to play in the construction of a more harmonious and prosperous Ethiopia.

As we commemorate this holiday, it is fitting to recall the teachings of Jesus Christ and endeavour to exemplify the virtues of kindness, humility, love, hope, and faith. Let us endeavour to extend these virtues to others and to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. This holiday should be a time for introspection, reconciliation, and a renewed commitment to the promotion of peace, unity, and prosperity. By espousing these values, we can construct a world replete with compassion, understanding, and harmony.

In conclusion, Easter holds a special place in the hearts of Christians, serving as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of faith. As we engage in the Easter festivities, it is fitting that we should cherish the traditions, reflect on the spiritual significance, and rejoice in the blessings of this joyous season.

I extend my best wishes to all Orthodox Christians on this joyous occasion of Easter. I hope that the spirit of Easter will illuminate our lives with love, peace, and joy.

 

Joram Jojo