Addis Ababa: 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 7th of January.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, 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.