Ethiopia Celebrates the Annual Feast of St. Gabriel with Great Grandeur

Ethiopia Celebrates the Annual Feast of St. Gabriel with Great Grandeur

The annual Feast of St. Gabriel, celebrated on the 19th of Tahsas in the Ethiopian calendar, is observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Numerous monasteries and churches mark the occasion with special religious ceremonies. Ethiopia celebrates the Feast of St. Gabriel (also known as "Kulubi Gabriel") annually on December 28th (the 29th day of the month of Tahsas in the Ethiopian calendar, which usually falls on January 7th in the Gregorian calendar). It is one of the country's largest and most solemn pilgrimage festivals and takes place in the town of Kulubi, about 70 kilometers from Dire Dawa. The Archangel Gabriel is one of the most important archangels in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The church in Kulubi was built in 1906 by the Ethiopian Emperor Menelik II, who vowed to build it if God granted him victory in battle. This refers to the construction of St. George's Cathedral in Addis Ababa, and the battle was fought at Adwa. This decisive battle took place on March 1, 1896, and ended in a devastating victory for the Ethiopian troops over the Italian invaders. The festival is considered an opportunity to fulfill vows, do penance, or seek intercession with God through the Archangel Gabriel. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all over Ethiopia and abroad travel to Kulubi, many on foot over long distances. The pilgrims often carry stones on their heads or backs as a symbol of penance or sacrifice, which they leave at the church. Long services, prayers, hymns, and processions are held. Practical assistance, such as food distribution and medical care for pilgrims, is also organized. The festival demonstrates the deep roots of the Christian faith in Ethiopia, blended with local traditions. It is also a significant social event, bringing together people from different regions and backgrounds. It is now also attended by tourists and researchers who wish to experience Ethiopia's religious and cultural diversity. The holiday is a powerful example of vibrant spiritual traditions in Ethiopia and underscores the role of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in the lives of many Ethiopians. Among the most important celebrations are those held at Qulbi Debre Maalq St. Gabriel Monastery and Hawassa Debre Mihret St. Gabriel Monastery. In Addis Ababa alone, the festival is celebrated in more than 54 monasteries and churches, including Menbere Golet Gibi St. Gabriel Monastery and Debre Bisrat St. Gabriel Monastery. The celebrations include divine liturgy, prayers, hymns, and communal gatherings, reflecting the profound spiritual significance of the day. Celebrations are also taking place outside of Ethiopia. In Djibouti, the festival was celebrated at St. Gabriel's Church in Misraqe Tsehai. According to local media reports, the Ethiopian Ambassador and Special Envoy to Djibouti, Dr. Legesse Tulu, also participated in the celebration. In the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, the festival commemorates the biblical event from Daniel 3:1–30: King Nebuchadnezzar threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into a fiery furnace because they refused to worship a golden idol. Through divine intervention, they were miraculously saved when a heavenly messenger appeared in the flames. This miracle is closely associated with the Archangel Gabriel, who is venerated as a protector and divine messenger.