In a true example of Bahrain’s multi-cultural magnificence and religious tolerance, several hundred members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church flocked to Bilaj Al Jazayer to celebrate Meskel, a traditional festival.
More than 650 members of its congregation participated in the event to mark what its followers also call the ‘Discovery of the True Cross’, a Christian holiday marked by the lighting of a bonfire, sermons and songs.
“We burn a bonfire near the beach to represent that moment,” said parishioner Gebremedhen Adane.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is the largest of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. One of the few Christian churches in sub-Saharan Africa originating before European colonisation of the continent, it dates back to 330, and has between 36 million and 49.8m adherents in Ethiopia. It is also a founding member of the World Council of Churches.
The gathering in Zallaq was organised by the Hamre Noah Holy Covenant Church. This year, the Archbishop of the Middle East Diocese of Lebanon and UAE, Abune Dimetros, participated in the service and festivities.
The Christian Ethiopian population in Bahrain reached up to 10,000 in 2016 but numbers have dropped since the Covid-19 pandemic, members of the congregation added.
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