Ethiopia's Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Eve in Addis Ababa
## Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas Celebration
Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas Celebration
On Tue, Jan 7, 2024, thousands of Orthodox Christians gathered at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa to celebrate Christmas Eve. The event featured a candlelight ceremony followed by an all-night church service, concluding a 43-day fasting period.
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians adhere to the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar commonly used by Catholic and Protestant communities.
Despite recent challenges, including the cessation of conflict in the Tigray region in 2022 and ongoing ethnic-based insurgencies in Amhara and Oromia, Addis Ababa is witnessing urban development. Initiatives by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali have introduced infrastructure improvements such as bike lanes, a conference center, parks, and museums.
On Tue, Jan 7, 2024, thousands of Orthodox Christians gathered at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa to celebrate Christmas Eve.
The nation is preparing for general elections scheduled for June 2024.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
