ADDIS ABABA, Jan 20 (AGCNewsNet) – Ethiopians are celebrating Epiphany, or Timkat, a vibrant three-day event rooted in Orthodox Christian traditions. The celebration, marked by open-air festivities and liturgical practices, is underway across the country, with no reported security incidents despite earlier concerns over the government’s announcement of potential drone use for security operations.

In Addis Ababa, celebrations were held at Janmeda in the presence of His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The patriarch called for unity and peace, emphasizing the shared responsibility of all Ethiopians in fostering harmony.

In Gondar, a city renowned for its elaborate Timkat ceremonies, celebrations remained colorful despite the ongoing war in the region. However, the usual influx of international tourists—typically numbering in the hundreds of thousands—has been notably absent this year due to security concerns.

The Catholic Church in Ethiopia also joined in the festivities, celebrating Epiphany in solidarity with the Orthodox community.

Epiphany holds deep cultural and religious significance in Ethiopia, drawing millions of participants nationwide and reflecting the country’s rich Christian heritage. The event serves as a moment for reflection and communal prayer for peace amidst Ethiopia’s ongoing challenges.

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