Holy Cross Celebration in Ethiopia

Holy Cross Celebration in Ethiopia

Eyoha! Eyoha! Eyoha!

When everything is done for the glory and power of the Lord, it is great. Amen!
See 1st Peter 4:11

Asmare Tikuye is an artist. When I saw the wonderful picture of Asmare, my brother that he posted for Holy Cross Holiday I was happy. Then, I posted this for the glory of the Lord.

You can see these pictures at www.facebook.com/asmare.tikuye

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrates the finding of the Cross on September 27 according to European Calendar of each year. Ethiopians do not use European calendar, so, this celebration is on September 17 according to Ethiopian Calendar. Before celebrating this great Holiday according to Ethiopian tradition, on the eve of September 17 of each year, that is, in the evening of 16 of September of each year, there is what is called Demera.

Demera is an Ethiopian word for bonfire or fireworks. This happens in the center of Addis Abeba, at a place called Maskal - Adebay or Maskal Square. In this place a large crowd, young and old, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the patriarch and other high Church officials attend the ceremony of the Holy Cross celebration each year. When the celebration is going on, the Patriarch of Ethiopia steps forward and lights the large bone-fire- praying for the wellbeing of the society, for the development of the economy, and for the strong faith of the people of Ethiopia in the name of God, Jesus the Son and Holy Spirit.

After that the large crowd sings and dances for the glory of the Lord, saying:
Eyoha! Eyoha Eyoha! X 3
Eyoha Abebaye – Meskerem Tebaye
Eyoha! Abebaye- Meskerem Tebaye
Eyoha Abebaye –Eyoha! Abebaye
Eyoha! Eyoha.. Eyoha .
Eyoha! Eyoha. Abebaye ! Meskerem Tebaye

Beating the drum and singing Eyoha Abebaye continues throughout Ethiopian villages and in every country of the world wherever Ethiopians live.
This proves that the heart of Ethiopians throughout the Ages is open to the Cross, to the Gospel and to Jesus Christ.

You might have celebrated Maskal. You also know about Jesus is great. But to accept Jesus as your Savior is much better, because he, who accepts Jesus, as his Savior enjoys eternal life. (Please read the italics again.)

To accept Jesus as your Savior, will not decrease your self esteem, but will help you to grow from glory to glory.

Molla T. Nigatu