Ethiopian Orthodox Easter Fasting Calendar 2024

When is Orthodox Easter 2024? from www.calendarpedia.com

As an Ethiopian Orthodox Christian, Easter is one of the most important festivals in our religious calendar. In 2024, we will be celebrating Easter on April 28th. This is a time when we come together as a community to fast, pray, and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has a long and rich history dating back to the first century AD. It is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world and has a unique blend of African and Middle Eastern traditions. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church observes a number of fasts throughout the year, including the Great Lenten Fast, which culminates in the celebration of Easter.

The Great Lenten Fast

The Great Lenten Fast is a 55-day period of prayer, fasting, and repentance that begins on the Monday following the Sunday of Forgiveness. During this time, Orthodox Christians abstain from animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, as well as from marital relations. The fast is broken on Easter Sunday with a feast of meat and dairy products.

The Holy Week

The Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday, is a time of intense prayer and reflection. It is during this week that we commemorate the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each day has its own special significance, with different prayers and readings.

The Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is the most joyous day of the year for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. It is a day of celebration and feasting, as we break our fast with a variety of traditional dishes, including doro wat, injera, and kitfo. We attend church services, sing hymns, and pray together as a community.

Events and Festivals in the Ethiopian Orthodox Easter Fasting Calendar 2024

There are several important events and festivals that take place during the Ethiopian Orthodox Easter Fasting Calendar 2024. These include:

Palm Sunday – April 21st
Hosanna – April 21st
Maundy Thursday – April 25th
Good Friday – April 26th
Holy Saturday – April 27th
Easter Sunday – April 28th

Celebrations on Palm Sunday and Hosanna

Palm Sunday and Hosanna are celebrated on the same day in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. On this day, we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We carry palm fronds and sing hymns in honor of Jesus’ arrival. In some parts of Ethiopia, people wear new clothes and have special meals to celebrate the occasion.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is the day when Jesus had his last supper with his disciples. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, we commemorate this event with a special service that includes the washing of feet. This is a symbolic act of humility and service, as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples before the last supper.

Good Friday

Good Friday is the day when Jesus was crucified. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, we commemorate this event with a solemn service that includes the reading of the Passion of Christ. We also fast and abstain from food and drink until the evening, when we break our fast with a simple meal.

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is the day when Jesus’ body lay in the tomb. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, we commemorate this event with a special service that involves the lighting of candles and the singing of hymns. It is a time of waiting and reflection.

Easter Sunday

Question and Answer (Q&A) and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ethiopian Orthodox Easter Fasting Calendar 2024

Q: When is Easter in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?

A: Easter in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is celebrated on a different date than in other Christian traditions. In 2024, Easter will be celebrated on April 28th.

Q: What is the Great Lenten Fast?

A: The Great Lenten Fast is a 55-day period of prayer, fasting, and repentance that culminates in the celebration of Easter. During this time, Orthodox Christians abstain from animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, as well as from marital relations.

Q: What is the significance of Palm Sunday and Hosanna?

A: Palm Sunday and Hosanna are celebrated on the same day in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. On this day, we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We carry palm fronds and sing hymns in honor of Jesus’ arrival.

Q: What happens on Maundy Thursday?

A: Maundy Thursday is the day when Jesus had his last supper with his disciples. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, we commemorate this event with a special service that includes the washing of feet.

Q: What happens on Good Friday?

A: Good Friday is the day when Jesus was crucified. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, we commemorate this event with a solemn service that includes the reading of the Passion of Christ.

Q: What happens on Holy Saturday?

A: Holy Saturday is the day when Jesus’ body lay in the tomb. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, we commemorate this event with a special service that involves the lighting of candles and the singing of hymns.

Q: What happens on Easter Sunday?

A: Easter Sunday is the most joyous day of the year for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. It is a day of celebration and feasting, as we break our fast with a variety of traditional dishes, including doro wat, injera, and kitfo. We attend church services, sing hymns, and pray together as a community.