(April 22, 2014, (Anatolia News Agency))--On Easter, Ethiopians, who had refrained from eating meat for almost two months, seem eager to make up for the meatless days. Like millions of Christians around the world, Ethiopians celebrate the Easter holiday with a sense of spiritual uplifting as the occasion marks the end of the Lent – the main fasting season.
But unlike other Christians, Lent here is not observed for 40 days, the
period that Jesus Christ fasted in the wilderness at the start of his
ministry. The followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox (Tewahdo) church traditionally start fasting 15 days ahead of other Christians.
"During the added days we remain fasting not for our souls, but for the souls of others who could not observe Lent because of old age, illnesses, travels or many other compelling reasons," Alem Kassa, 69, told Anadolu Agency. "In this way, we try our best to give thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ who suffered great suffering to wash the sin of our hands," added the housewife. Deacon Belay Mekuria, who is in his mid-40s, has another reason for the prolonged fasting.
"We pay homage [this way] also to the saints, kings and patrons of our land." On Easter, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, who had refrained from eating meat for almost two months, seem eager to make up for the meatless days. Meat is served in all forms of cuisine. Read more from Anatolia News Agency »
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| Anadolu Agency |
"During the added days we remain fasting not for our souls, but for the souls of others who could not observe Lent because of old age, illnesses, travels or many other compelling reasons," Alem Kassa, 69, told Anadolu Agency. "In this way, we try our best to give thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ who suffered great suffering to wash the sin of our hands," added the housewife. Deacon Belay Mekuria, who is in his mid-40s, has another reason for the prolonged fasting.
"We pay homage [this way] also to the saints, kings and patrons of our land." On Easter, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, who had refrained from eating meat for almost two months, seem eager to make up for the meatless days. Meat is served in all forms of cuisine. Read more from Anatolia News Agency »
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