The celebration of Demera, marking the finding of the True Cross upon which Jesus was crucified, is underway in Meskel Square, Addis Ababa.
The colorful event is taking place in the presence of President Sahle-Work Zewdie, General Manager of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Archbishop of Bahir Dar Diocese, Abune Abrham, Holy Synod Secretary General, Archbishop Abune Petros and other high ranking government officials.
Demera is an annual religious bonfire which is conducted on the Eve of Meskel commemoration.
It is a colorful occasion that attracts a huge gathering of followers of the church, Sunday school students, and members of the clergy dressed in robes and traditional clothes and several tourists.
According to the teaching of the church, Demera bonfire lighting signifies the efforts made by Empress Helena to find the cross, which had been buried for many years under dirt and earth.
Similar Demera celebrations are conducted by the church throughout the country.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency