The Patriarch releases message for Great Lent
March 7, 2016
By Kassa Nigus
His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, Echege of the See of St. Tekle Haymanot, Archbishop of Axum has made an address regarding the Fast of Great Lent, locally known as Abiy tsom/Hudade, which will begin on Monday Yekatit 28, 2008 E.C.( March 7, 2016).
During his address held on March 4, 2016 at the special office of the patriarchate, Abune Mathias addressing extensively about the worth of life quoting on John : 10:10 “ …I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Jesus came to earth to save lost mankind and give eternal life for mankind. The first and biggest wealth of every creature is life. The ups and downs of Life of man and other living things are only to give care, preserve and keep going their own life, H.H said.
H.H emphasizes on the meaning of fasting saying, when many Christians think about fasting, they merely remember staying away from food for a specific period of time and restrictions from dairy products but fasting has many more meanings that will benefit you and many more other aspects that we have to understand and perform including abstinence from quarreling, cruelty, injustice, oppression, demoralizing others, selfishness, idleness, and all worldly desires.
Therefore, during this fasting season, all Christians and every citizens shall stand for unity, peace, fraternity and development of his country and be cleansed from all evil thoughts and deeds that endanger the unity of the country. You also enjoy the season by realizing the suffering of others who have no food and clothing especially those of drought victim relatives. You come close to God through fasting, prayer and loving each other.