Diplomatic Community in Addis Extends Timket Best Wishes

Addis Ababa, January 19, 2026 (ENA)—Embassies in Addis Ababa have expressed their "Happy Holiday" messages in honor of the Timket festival, which holds great significance for the followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Various embassies based in Addis Ababa have extended their best wishes to the Ethiopian people on the celebration of Timket.

Millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians gathered across Ethiopia today to celebrate Timket, the Ethiopian Orthodox Epiphany that commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan.

The three-day religious festival, one of the country’s most significant public events, has been observed with vibrant spiritual and cultural ceremonies in cities and towns nationwide.

The Russian Embassy in Ethiopia highlighted the spiritual significance of the day.

The mission expressed its hope that the holiday brings peace, health, and joy to all households.

The United States Embassy also conveyed its congratulations to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo community.

In its message, the Embassy stated, “As Ethiopian Christians commemorate Epiphany both in Ethiopia and around the world, the U.S. Embassy extends warm wishes for joyful and festive celebrations. Melkam Timket.”

Similarly, the Embassy of the State of Israel to Ethiopia and the African Union extended its greetings, stating, “The Embassy of the State of Israel to Ethiopia and the African Union wishes all Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo followers a happy and blessed Epiphany!”

The Embassy of Armenia in Ethiopia shared its sentiments, noting, “Embassy of Armenia in Ethiopia sends its best wishes for a blessed holiday to all Ethiopians celebrating Timket - Happy Epiphany! Melkam Timket!”

The United Kingdom’s diplomatic mission expressed its desire for a celebration defined by delight and communal cheer, while the Canadian Embassy wished for a day of joy, peace, and festivity.

Other diplomatic missions, including those of Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, and Pakistan, joined the international community in honoring the Great Epiphany.

Furthermore, the United Nations office in Ethiopia extended its wishes for a peaceful and joyful holiday.

The UN recalled that Timket was inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019, recognizing its profound cultural and spiritual resonance on the world stage.