Ethiopians gather for Orthodox Christmas Eve candlelight ceremonyEthiopia marked Orthodox Christmas Eve on Tuesday with a large candlelight ceremony in Addis Ababa, where thousands gathered in Meskel Square for prayers, hymns and a midnight Mass. Worshippers, many dressed in white traditional clothing, stood shoulder to shoulder as priests led the service. The ceremony was followed by an all-night vigil, ending a 43-day fasting period observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Despite this, the gathering in Addis Ababa reflected a strong desire for normality and spiritual continuity. Ethiopia is largely Orthodox because Christianity was adopted there in the fourth century and became a lasting part of the country’s identity.

Source: Ethiopian News January 07, 2026 09:38 UTC