Thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) faithful gathered at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa for a vibrant Holy Thursday service.
The ceremony, led by His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the EOTC, saw a large congregation of bishops, priests, and laypeople commemorating the profound events of Holy Thursday.
The service centered on the message of humility demonstrated by Jesus Christ washing the feet of his apostles, urging followers to embody this same humility in their daily lives.
Holy Thursday, a pivotal day in the Christian Holy Week, commemorates the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist.
The foot-washing ritual, a central act of the Holy Thursday service, symbolizes Jesus's humility and servanthood, serving as a powerful reminder to his followers of the importance of selfless service and love.
The Patriarch, during the service, emphasized the significance of reflecting this humility in all aspects of life, encouraging believers to emulate Christ's example of servant leadership.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral, the spiritual center of the EOTC, provided a fitting backdrop for this significant observance. The colorful ceremony featured traditional chanting, prayers, and readings from the Gospel, creating a deeply moving and spiritual atmosphere for the assembled faithful.
The large attendance underscored the importance of Holy Thursday in the EOTC calendar and the deep devotion of its followers.
Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday, is the most sacred week in the Christian liturgical year.
Each day of Holy Week carries special significance, commemorating key events in the final days of Jesus's life.
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, focuses on the Last Supper, the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, and Jesus's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. These events underscore themes of sacrifice, love, and preparation for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on Good Friday.
The EOTC, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, maintains a rich tradition of observing Holy Week with deep reverence and devotion.
Holy Thursday, in particular, holds a prominent place in the EOTC's liturgical calendar, emphasizing the importance of humility, service, and spiritual preparation for the culmination of Holy Week in the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.
The vibrant celebration at Holy Trinity Cathedral reflected the enduring faith and spiritual richness of the EOTC community.