What is the Meskel festival in Ethiopia?

The Ethiopia Meskel celebration is an annual religious holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox church. It commemorates the supposed discovery of the True Cross upon which Jesus was crucified by the Romans.

What is Ethiopian epiphany?

Ethiopian epiphany is a colourful festival celebrated all over Ethiopia to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The commemoration starts on the eve of the main festival on 18 January.

Who is the owner of Meskel Square?

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is said to have a document proving ownership right over Meskel Square ( or Meskel Square). It used to be owned by a faithful individual who passed it on to the Ethiopian Church before several decade ago.

Was the cross found in Ethiopia?

Tens of Millions of Ethiopian Orthodox church followers on Tuesday evening celebrate the eve of Demera, a festival marking the discovery of the True Cross, a crucifix on which Jesus Christ is believed to have been crucified.

Who brought the True Cross to Ethiopia?

Meskel (Finding of the True Cross), one of the major Ethiopian Orthodox festivals is celebrated for two days . Legend has it that in the year 326, Queen Helena (Empress Helen) the Mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the cross upon which Christ was crucified.

Do they celebrate Christmas in Ethiopia?

Christmas in Ethiopia is called Ganna (or Genna) and is celebrated on January 7th. An important Ethiopian holiday, visitors in the country can get an insight into the religious traditions and culture of the African nation. Ganna comes 12 days before the Timkat festival, another important holiday.

How do Ethiopians celebrate the Epiphany?

The main celebrations take place on the second day of Timket Mass begins in the early hours of the morning on January 19th, continuing until around 7 am. Locals wear white clothing and cover their heads with scarves. Following mass, speeches are made by important church figures and the water is blessed.

How many does Meskel Square hold?

It is not clear who started it. But it has long been assumed that Meskel Square can accommodate about a million people.

Is Ethiopia a republic?

Ethiopia is a Federal Democratic Republic composed of 9 National Regional States (NRS) – Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Oromia, Somali, Benishangul-Gumuz, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), Gambella and Harari – and two administrative councils – Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa.

Where is the True Cross of Jesus now?

the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Current relic Currently the Greek Orthodox church presents a small True Cross relic shown in the Greek Treasury within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at the foot of Golgotha.

Is the True Cross of Jesus in Ethiopia?

Gishen – place where portion of the cross on which Jesus Christ is crucified is kept in Ethiopia. Gishen is one of the places of immense significance for Ethiopian Church and Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, perhaps even for Christianity itself.

What is the Meskel celebration in Ethiopia?

Meskel celebration at Meskel Square, Addis Ababa (2016). The Meskel celebration includes the burning of a large bonfire, or Demera, based on the belief that Queen Eleni, as she is known, had a revelation in a dream.

What is the Meskel feast?

The feast is held in Meskel Square, named after the festival, in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Religious and civil leaders preside over the celebration, and public figures give speeches and reference biblical themes and stories.

Why is Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas so high in the church calendar?

One explanation for the high rank this festival has in the church calendar is that it is believed that a part of the true Cross has been brought to Ethiopia from Egypt. It is said to be kept at Amba Geshen, which itself has a cross-shaped plan.