Ethiopian Religious Fathers Call for Celebration of Christmas with Love, Peace, & Solidarity

Addis Ababa January 6/2025 (ENA)—Religious leaders in Ethiopia have called upon the Christian community to observe the birth of Jesus Christ with a spirit of love, peace, mutual support, and unity.

Ethiopians will celebrate Ethiopian Christmas locally known as ‘Gena’ on the 7^th of January.  

Leaders from the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Ethiopian Catholic Church, and the Ethiopian Evangelical Churches Fellowship conveyed their best wishes to all Christians on the occasion of Ethiopian Christmas.

His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church stated in his message that the birth of Jesus Christ is a profound demonstration of God’s love for humanity.

He emphasized that Christmas celebrations should be grounded in the dissemination of God’s message, a message of love, reconciliation, and peace within society.

The Patriarch further noted the divine nature of Christmas, urging the faithful to pray for peace in the nation, foster mutual love, and celebrate with a spirit of reconciliation.

He also made a paternal appeal for the community to support vulnerable members of society and celebrate the holiday in solidarity.

Ethiopia’s Catholic Church Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel extended his greetings to Christians globally on the joyous occasion of Christmas.

 

He stressed the importance of reaching out to neighbors, assisting those in need, and visiting the sick during the Christmas season.

Cardinal Berhaneyesus underscored that Jesus Christ came to earth to bring peace and joy to humankind.

He highlighted the significance of the angelic pronouncement of “peace on earth” at Christ’s birth, emphasizing the paramount importance of peace.

Cardinal Berhaneyesus called upon everyone to play their part in preserving peace, advocating for treating others as one would wish to be treated, thereby contributing to the establishment of lasting peace.

President of the Ethiopian Evangelical Churches Fellowship, Pastor Tsadiku Abdo, on his part conveyed his best wishes for a Christmas filled with peace, health, and prosperity.

 

He urged the Christian community to celebrate the holiday with reverence and love, remembering the precious sacrifice made for humanity.

Pastor Tsadiku emphasized the need for constructive engagement in supporting efforts to build lasting peace in Ethiopia.

He further stressed the importance of celebrating Christmas by assisting the vulnerable and needy, showing compassion, and fostering unity and solidarity.

The religious leaders' joint message emphasizes the core values of Christmas – love, peace, and unity – urging the faithful to embody these principles in their celebrations and contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.