Addis Ababa: The vibrant celebration of Meskel is one of the most important religious and cultural events that promotes Ethiopia to the outside world, Minister of Culture and Sports, Shewit Shanka remarked.
The faithful of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church are celebrating Demera, an annual bonfire lighting ceremony on the eve of Meskel that commemorates the discovery of the true cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified.
The celebration was underway at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa in the presence of Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Abune Mathias, President Sahle-Work Zewde, senior government officials, religious fathers, and diplomats.
On the occasion, Minister of Culture and Sports, Shewit Shanka said Ethiopia is an ancient country endowed with rich traditions and history.
The minister highlighted the enormous cultural and religious values of Ethiopia, citing the annual iconic Meskel celebration underway by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to commemorate the finding of the true cross upon which Jesu
s was crucified.
Meskel is Ethiopia’s fascinating treasure that has been inscribed by the United Nations Education, Culture and Science Organization (UNESCO) as world heritages and it has been instrumental in promoting the country to the international community, the minister explained.
She also expressed the commitment of the government to preserving and developing Ethiopia’s unique cultural and religious values with a view to transferring them to the generations to come in collaboration with pertinent stakeholders.
Addis Ababa Mayor, Adanech Abiebie through her representative said that Meskel is a symbol of love, peace and unity that augments intimacy among humanity.
Meskel is one of the heritages which exhibits the positive image of Ethiopia apart from its spiritual values, she added, affirming the commitment of the city administration to preserving the celebration of Mesqel by maintain its values.
Followers of the church, Sunday school students, and members of the clergy dressed in robes and tradition
al clothes and several tourists attended Demera celebration.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency