A new generation called Janderebaw embraces faith and tradition to promote peace in conflict times. Ethiopian Christmas exemplifies the resilience and unity of the faithful amid conflict and calamity.
Ethiopian Christmas, known as Genna (ገና) or Lidet, is a joyous feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ on January 7th, as per the Eastern Orthodox Church’s calendar, Ethiopians follow the Julian calendar, which runs 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar, used by Catholic and Protestant churches. They traditionally celebrate by slaughtering animals and joining family members to break the fast after midnight. The celebration combines religious ceremonies with a traditional play, Yegena chewata (የገና ጨዋታ) in Amharic, which translates to the Christmas play.
This year for the second time, a landmark event unfolded as hundreds of thousands of Orthodox Christian youth in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa cities celebrated Christmas Eve, In Addis Ababa at the Bole Madhanemalem (መድኃኔዓለም) Cathedral. This cathedral, one of the largest in the city, hosted a gathering where participants, followed priests who lit candles and sang spiritual hymns. The participants wear white clothes, a symbol of purity and protection from evil forces in their tradition. They engaged in prayers and sang Yea’elafat Zmarie (የአእላፋት ዝማሬ) in Amharic means spiritual Song of the Multitudes. The event has become the talk of the country in the past week.
This celebration was organized by the Ethiopian Janderebaw Generation religious organization, operating under the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOTC). The organization focuses on creating a generation shaped by the personality of St. Bakos (ባኮስ), the one who brought Christianity to Ethiopia. The Christmas Eve event gained substantial coverage from both local and international media outlets, including AP, Washington Post, Africa News, Getty Image, CGTN, USA Today, The Citizen, Boston Globe, Voice of America, Daily News Record, Sputnik, and others.
In the program, His Holiness Abune Mathias, the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC), participated and gave a speech during his blessing, highlighting that the spiritual Song of the Multitudes “Yea’elafat Zmarie (የአእላፋት ዝማሬ)” is prepared by the will of the Holy Spirit and serves as a spiritual song of peace. His Holiness emphasized the significance of peace and its value, expressing his desire for tranquility in Ethiopia.
Moreover, during his televised Christmas Eve message, His Holiness Abune Mathias advocated for reconciliation and harmony within the country, which has been frequently afflicted by ethnic conflicts. Various regions of Ethiopia have recently experienced natural calamities, such as mudslides and earthquakes in remote areas of Afar, Amhara, and Oromia, resulting in the displacement of thousands. The rift in the nation of 130 million people remains evident, even during Christmas celebrations. The ongoing discord seems to mirror the numerous divisions that continue to plague Ethiopia more than two years after a flawed ceasefire ended the bloodshed in Tigray, instigating fresh civil unrest in the Amhara and Oromia regions.
Nevertheless, as Ethiopia celebrates Christmas, many in other parts of the country were compelled to observe Gena amidst challenging circumstances, with the ongoing conflict with rebels primarily concentrated in Amhara and Oromia regions. Approximately 15.8 million people need food assistance in 2024, with malnutrition affecting all children under the age of five. This includes around 4 million internally displaced persons who have fled their homes due to the 2020-2022 conflict in the north and severe drought in the south and southeast. UNICEF reports that 9 million children have dropped out of school as a result of the nation’s humanitarian crisis, which has substantially dampened the festive spirit of Christmas. Ethnic tensions and insurgent attacks have led to mass displacements, causing hundreds of thousands to seek refuge away from their homes. These conflicts not only disrupt the lives of many Ethiopians but also undermine the social cohesion of the nation’s communities.
In the face of such challenges, religious programs like Yea’elafat Zmarie (የአእላፋት ዝማሬ) can potentially play a crucial role in addressing the country’s problems. These programs serve as platforms for unity and enhance a sense of shared purpose and understanding among diverse communities. By promoting dialogue and reconciliation, they contribute to healing the wounds caused by ethnic violence and rebel attacks.
In his message, His Holiness Abune Mathias stressed the importance of peace and its value for Ethiopia. The spiritual song of peace, Yea’elafat Zmarie, and the messages shared during the event resonate as potential tools for addressing the challenges faced by the country. His Holiness Abune Mathias is doing what he should be & is good at doing, advocating for peace and unity officially. The program not only serves as a unifying platform but also brings attention to the cultural and religious practices that play a vital role in rebuilding a fractured society.
Beyond its spiritual and communal significance, the orthodox Christmas Eve celebration also serves as a tourist attraction, drawing international visitors who seek to experience the rich cultural and religious heritage of Ethiopia. As the country navigates through challenging times, events like these showcase the resilience, unity, and hope of the Ethiopian people, offering a pathway toward a harmonious and collectively resolved future.
Yinebeb Bahru has experience predominantly with Consultancies, Bilateral and multilateral development agencies, BPO, Tech, and finance organizations. Contact: Yinebeb251@gmail.com. Opinions expressed are personal and not endorsed by Capital.
