Addis Ababa, January 19, 2026 (FMC) — Embassies of multiple countries and multilateral organizations based in Addis Ababa have extended their warmest greetings to Ethiopian Christians on the occasion of the Epiphany Festival, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
The Russian Embassy conveyed its heartfelt wishes for a festival marked by peace, health, joy, and prosperity. In its message, the embassy stated:
“The Embassy of Russia wishes Happy Epiphany to all those who celebrate it! May this holiday bring good health, peace, happiness and joy to every house and every family, warmth and light in your thoughts and souls!”
Similarly, the U.S. Embassy extended its greetings to Ethiopian Christians both within the country and across the globe. “As Ethiopian Christians commemorate Epiphany both in Ethiopia and around the world, the U.S. Embassy extends warm wishes for joyful and festive celebrations. Melkam Timket,” the embassy affirmed.
Other diplomatic missions, including those of Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, and Finland, also conveyed their best wishes to the faithful. The embassies of Israel, Armenia, Canada, Iran, Pakistan, and Australia additionally joined in celebrating the festival, sending messages of goodwill and appreciation for Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.
Multilateral organizations, including the UN Country Office, ILO Horn of Africa, and WFP Ethiopia, likewise extended festive greetings to Ethiopians, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural significance of the occasion.
Many of the embassies and multilateral organizations shared short video messages highlighting the traditional and spiritual values of the Ethiopian Epiphany, underscoring the enduring importance of faith, culture, and communal harmony.