Photos: Ethiopian Orthodox Maskel Demera
Bermuda’s Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrated Maskel Demera on Sunday [Sept 24] at their Debre Genet Cathedral Church in St George’s, with a Liturgical Service followed by the lighting celebration.
According to UNEESCO, “The festival of Maskel is celebrated across Ethiopia on 26 September to commemorate the unearthing of the True Holy Cross of Christ.
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“Celebrations begin with the building of the Damera bonfire in Maskel Square in Addis Ababa – a conical pyre of poles surrounded by bundles of branches and torches, decorated with green grass and Abyssinian daisies symbolizing the New Year.
“Maskel is celebrated nationwide regardless of age, gender, language or ethnicity. Participants are believed to receive spiritual rewards from the celebration and blessings from the Holy Cross.
Live video replay [filmed with permission of the Church]
“Prior to the celebration, personal quarrels and social disagreements must be resolved. In this way, Maskel is an occasion for Ethiopians to promote their spiritual life through reconciliation, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.”
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