Welcome to this week’s News from the Orient!
Embracing the Ethiopian New Year in Style
It’s time to celebrate as Ethiopians mark the beginning of the year 2017 on Wednesday, 11th September. Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year’s Day, signifies the end of the rainy season, the feast of Saint John, and the legendary arrival of the Queen of Sheba in Jerusalem. The air is filled with bonfires, melodies, and traditional dances. Children joyfully dance in the streets, spreading around flowers and exquisite miniature paintings. While rooted in Christianity, this festive occasion transcends religious boundaries and is embraced by all.
Communion Through the Feast of Holy Cross in Iraq
A remarkable celebration unfolded on 9th September, 2024, in Erbil-Ankawa, Iraq, where thousands of Christians congregated to observe the Feast of the Holy Cross. Led by Archbishops Bashar Warda and Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, believers from Catholic, Orthodox, and Assyrian communities embarked on a procession from St. George’s Church, serenading hymns and offering prayers. The week-long festivity serves as a unifying force, gathering Christians from the Nineveh Plain to showcase their resilience and unwavering hope amidst challenges.
Global Revelry for the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
On 8th September, 2024, a wave of celebration swept across the Christian world as believers from East and West commemorated the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. This age-old tradition, observed since the 7th century in iconic cities like Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Rome, underscores the interconnectedness of believers irrespective of geographical distances. From the resonant prayers in Deir El Ahmar, Lebanon, to the sacred hymns in Syria, Christians came together in reverence for the Mother of Christ, reinforcing the profound bond that unites them globally.
