Ethiopian New Year: The Eparch of Adigrat delivers message of hope amid suffering

In brief

Tesfaselassie Medhin, the bishop of Adigrat, shared a message with the Ethiopian people to mark the start of the Ethiopian New Year on September 11. As the country transitions from the Year of Mark to the Year of Luke the Evangelist in the liturgical calendar, Medhin encouraged the faithful to approach the new year with gratitude to God despite widespread anxiety.

The bishop addressed several hardships affecting society, including the loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones, as well as displacement, unemployment, and poverty. He noted that drought, famine, and a lack of peace have worsened these conditions, while many young people are being forced to leave the country. Medhin specifically highlighted the disruption of education for youth and called for the creation of new educational and employment opportunities to help them build futures at home.

Medhin urged Christians to demonstrate their faith through practical acts of love, reconciliation, peace, and sharing rather than just words. He reminded the population that God remains close to those experiencing affliction and suffering.