Good Friday Observance at St. Anne Parish in Sadama, Ethiopia

During the Procession of the Stations of the Cross

This year, the Ethiopian Easter is celebrated a week after the Gregorian Easter. On Good Friday, Sr. Amarech Herego and Sr. Evarlyne Ndeti joined the parishioners at St. Anne Parish in Sadama for a day of solemn reflection and devotion.

The day began with a Stations of the Cross procession led by the parish priest, Abba Geziegn Mancha, along with catechists and several parishioners. The procession took place around the surroundings of Sadama, allowing the participants to engage in a deeply reflective experience. As they moved from station to station, they commemorated the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, an essential part of the Good Friday observance.

Following the procession, the congregation gathered in the parish for the Celebration of the Lord's Passion. This service included prayers, readings, Adoration of the Holy Cross, hymns that reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and concluded with the Holy Communion. The parishioners joined together in a spirit of reverence and contemplation, honoring the significance of this sacred day.

After the liturgical service, the community gathered together to share a simple meal of wheat and beans. This humble repast served as a reminder of the modesty, humility and fasting that characterizes Good Friday. It was a moment of fellowship and unity, as everyone partook in the meal before returning to their homes.

The observance of Good Friday at St. Anne Parish in Sadama was a meaningful experience for all involved. It offered the parishioners a chance to reflect on their faith, come together as a community, and prepare their hearts for the joyous celebration of Easter to come.

During the Adoration of the Holy Cross