It was the day before yesterday, millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) followers gathered to celebrate the Demera, the eve of the finding of the True Cross.
The celebration took place at Maskal Square in the presence of hundreds of thousands of city residents, President Dr. Mulatu Teshome, EOC Patriarch His Holiness Abune Mathias, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, senior government officials, resident ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps as well as tourists from various parts of the world.
A grand bonfire was lit by His Holiness Abune Mathias, President Dr. Mulatu and City Mayor Diriba Kuma.
Abune Mathias said: “We celebrate Maskal because it enabled us to avoid hatred. So far, we have been celebrating Demera based on the tradition we inherited from our forefathers.”
Welcoming his counterpart His Holiness Pope Tawadros to Ethiopia, the Patriarch said that though there was a long-standing relations between Ethiopia and Egypt, it was mainly limited to religion and nature (River Abay). Gradually it grew to social, economic and political ties.
“This time, Ethiopians are building a dam that would benefit neighbouring countries as well. Various experts proved that the construction of the dam won’t affect any country and this is an issue that made all of us happier. Benefiting oneself without affecting others is a positive approach that makes happy not only Egyptians but also the Almighty.”
Indicating that intolerance, illegal migration, extremism, war, climate change are among the major natural and artificial problems in the world, the Patriarch call on concerned world bodies to make unreserved effort to come up with lasting solution to the problems.
Welcoming the Pope, Mayor Diriba said that Maskal festivity registered as an intangible World Heritage by UNESCO, has also been greatly contributing to building the positive image of the country besides benefiting the nation from tourism.
The Mayor also said that Ethiopia is a country where religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence is intact. The Federal Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. Accordingly, followers of various religions have been celebrating their festivity equally and without discrimination for years, he added.
“But, when we say that state and religion are separate, it does not mean that they do not work together when it comes to national issues. Rather, it means one does not interfere in the affairs of the other. There is legal framework that enables them to do their tasks independently,” the Mayor said.
Appreciating the great contribution of the EOC to national development, Mayor Diriba said that the basis for the ongoing national development is the prevalence of peace in the country. Thus, religious institutions should advocate the significance of peace, development and tolerance for the good of the nation.
Congratulating the public for the inclusion of Maskal in UNESCO’s list, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II said: “I am not familiar with the fact that festival is celebrated in such a magnificent way. The Cross is a sign of love. It was a sign of punishment before. But it becomes sign of love, peace and power after the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.”
Noting that there exists strong relations between Ethiopia and Egypt, the Pope said the Coptic Church encourages working together for the benefit of both peoples.
Priests, deacons and Sunday School students attired with Ethiopian white blank traditional clothes sang song and hymns that added colour to the event. Sunday school students on their part expressed their joy through spiritual songs and dances performing in a well-organized and flamboyant manner.
The celebration dates back to 1,600 years and it is celebrated with a huge bonfire lit in the evening.