Addis Ababa, January 7, 2026 (FMC) — Christians across Ethiopia are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ (Genna) today with religious ceremonies, family gatherings, charitable activities and expressions of faith, marking one of the most significant observances in the Christian calendar.
Ahead of the holiday, leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Ethiopian Catholic Church and the Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers’ Churches extended best wishes to followers of the faith. They called on believers to observe Christmas in a spirit of compassion and solidarity, while supporting citizens facing shortages of food, clothing and shelter. The leaders also emphasized prayer, reconciliation and collective responsibility to help strengthen peace and unity in the country.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also conveyed Christmas greetings, expressing hope that the celebration would encourage kindness, togetherness and strengthened commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
On the eve of today’s celebration, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church held the annual “Melody of Myriads” spiritual program at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, where thousands of worshippers gathered for prayers, hymns and reflections marking the occasion. The event filled the capital’s central square with faithful who took part in the evening’s religious observance.
Across Ethiopia, Christians are marking the day with church services, cultural traditions, sharing meals with family and friends, and extending support to the needy — reflecting both the spiritual and social significance of Genna.
Worldwide, Christmas is also being celebrated today in countries that observe the holiday under the Eastern Christian tradition, including Russia, Serbia and Georgia.