Demera, the eve of the Finding of the True Cross (Maskal), was celebrated colorfully throughout the country late Tuesday afternoon.

Here in the capital, the day was celebrated in the presence of tens of thousands of residents of the Addis Ababa City, members of the diplomatic community and foreign tourists as well as senior government officials.


Deacons and priests as well as Sunday school students dressed with white blank traditional clothing played religious songs and hymns that added color to the holiday.


Thousands gathered at Maskal Square to join in and welcome the season of flowers and golden sunshine called ‘Tseday’. Dozens of foreigners and diplomatic corps were also in attendance at the event.


The bonfire that was erected at the center of Maskal Square was lit by Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abune Paulos and Mayor of Addis Ababa City, Kuma Demeksa.


The Patriarch on the occasion called on followers, in particular the youth, to work toward development of the country alongside celebrating religious holidays.


Kuma for his part stressed the need for religious institutions to rally behind the government in the ongoing efforts to achieve the five-year Growth and Transformation Plan.




Source: ERTA