Addis Ababa, January 6, 2026 (FMC) — Religious leaders in Ethiopia have called on the faithful to observe the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ with a strong commitment to supporting the needy and helping one another.
Ethiopian Christians are set to celebrate Christmas, locally known as Genna, tomorrow, January 7.
Leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Ethiopian Catholic Church, and the Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers’ Churches have extended their Christmas greetings to Christians, underscoring the spiritual and social significance of the occasion.
In their messages, the religious leaders emphasized that Christmas should be marked not only through prayer and thanksgiving, but also through acts of compassion, solidarity and support for those in need.
His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, said the celebration of Christmas represents a practical expression of God’s profound love for humanity. He called on the faithful to observe the holiday by supporting the needy alongside prayer and gratitude.
The Patriarch stressed the importance of assisting individuals facing shortages of food, clothing and shelter due to various circumstances. He further highlighted the need to provide support that enables vulnerable groups to improve their livelihoods in a sustainable manner.
Similarly, Ethiopian Catholic Church Cardinal Berhaneyesus Souraphiel emphasized the importance of reaching out to those in need while celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. He noted that Christians should use the occasion to visit the sick, the frail and the helpless, sharing what they have with those less fortunate.
Ethiopian Council of Gospel Believers’ Churches Secretary-General Reverend Dereje Jemberu also extended Christmas greetings to Ethiopians at home and abroad. He said the birth of Jesus Christ reflects God’s forgiveness and boundless love for humanity, and called on believers to resolve differences through reconciliation in pursuit of lasting peace, noting that promoting love and peace remains the core mission of the Churches.