The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church celebrates Easter.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, celebrates Easter (Fasika in Amharic) with great fervor and unique traditions.

Lent (Hambasha): Easter is preceded by a strict 55-day fast, known as the "Fast of the Apostles" or "Abstinence" (Hambasha). During this time, believers abstain from all animal products (meat, dairy, eggs) and often consume only one meal a day. The fast culminates in the Easter celebration. Holy Week (Gena): The week before Easter is of particular importance. Special services and vigils are held daily in churches. Good Friday (Tirke Tsom): This is a day of intense prayer and fasting. Many churches stage elaborate reenactments of the crucifixion story. Easter Vigil: The most important service takes place on Saturday evening and culminates in the celebration of the Resurrection at midnight. The liturgy is characterized by singing, hymns, and the ringing of church bells. The Easter greeting: At midnight, the priest and congregation exchange the Easter greeting: "Mekuriya Egziabher Egziabeher" (Christ is risen, God is God) and the response: "Egziabeher Egziabher Egziabeher Stenawork" (God is God, God is God, glorious is He). The Feast of Lights (Meskel) – Note: While Meskel is a very important festival in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, it is celebrated in September to commemorate the finding of the True Cross. Easter (Fasika) is the Feast of the Resurrection. There seems to be some confusion when Meskel is mentioned in connection with Easter. The Easter Feast (Fasika Meal): After the Lenten season, Easter Sunday is a joyous feast. Families gather to break their fast with a rich meal, often featuring lamb or beef stews, vegetables, injera (Ethiopian flatbread), and traditional drinks. Church attendance and celebrations: On Easter Sunday, people visit churches throughout the day to pray and participate in festive processions. Festive attire: Many Ethiopians wear their finest traditional clothing for Easter, symbolizing the joy and renewal of the Resurrection. Community gatherings: Easter is a time to strengthen family and community life. Relatives come together to share the joy of the holiday, exchange gifts, and deepen their faith. The Ethiopian Orthodox Easter celebration is a rich tapestry of ancient traditions, profound spirituality, and vibrant community life, reflecting the unwavering faith of its followers. Ethiopian Orthodox Church Celebrates Easter with Midnight Prayers and Joyful Hymns Easter was celebrated in the monasteries and churches of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church worldwide with a solemn midnight liturgy and resurrection hymns, marking the end of the 55-day Lenten fast. Worshippers in traditional white clothing gathered for prayer and song, filling the churches with a solemn and joyful atmosphere.