Ethiopians across the country observed Fasika—the Orthodox Christian Easter—with renewed calls for unity, peace, and compassion, as the nation grapples with ongoing armed conflict and mounting economic challenges. In Addis Ababa, thousands gathered at Bole Medhanialem Church and other major religious sites to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The occasion also marked the end of a 55-day fast, observed across denominations, with messages focused on love and sacrifice.
Priest Leul Adbaru told congregants, “Since our God, who died out of love, desires love, we ought therefore to live in love,” urging reflection on Jesus’s sacrifice as a model for national healing. The Easter celebrations were deeply felt in a country still recovering from two years of war in the Tigray region, and currently facing renewed violence in the Amhara region, where federal forces are clashing with local militias following the disbanding of regional security forces. Despite the spiritual significance of the holiday, many Ethiopians are struggling to celebrate due to soaring inflation, high unemployment, and widespread poverty. Traditional Easter meals, especially the serving of raw meat—a symbol of abundance and celebration—have become unaffordable for many.
At Medhanialem Church, Fitsum Getachew, a daily laborer, joined hundreds relying on meals provided by local charities and church volunteers. “Praise be to God! At this feast prepared by our devout mothers, we have partaken of all things, even chunks of raw meat,” he said. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in his Easter message, urged citizens to practice humility and seek national reconciliation through dialogue. “Let us embrace humility, consultation, and peaceful coexistence,” he stated, amid persistent instability in regions including Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz.
With Ethiopia’s population exceeding 125 million, many citizens are looking to faith for hope and direction as they navigate a complex landscape of political unrest, economic hardship, and recovery from one of Africa’s deadliest recent conflicts.
