Ethiopian Orthodox Epiphany Celebrated in Dessie, Ethiopia, With Muslim Residents Helping Clean Festival Areas

The Ethiopian Epiphany, known locally as Timket, was celebrated in colorful and peaceful fashion across the Amhara region, including areas that had been invaded by the terrorist group TPLF and have since been liberated. The source names the towns of Dessie, Woldia, Seqota and Kemissie as places where the festival was observed.

Residents of Dessie told ENA that this year’s Timket is especially meaningful because they can observe the festival in a special spirit after what they describe as horrific abuse committed by TPLF forces. Speaking to ENA, Bililgn Eshetu said that during the group’s invasion of Dessie, it robbed and destroyed property and inflicted heavy casualties on innocent civilians.

Bililgn also said that religious institutions had been looted and vandalized during the invasion, which he said was aimed at destabilizing Ethiopia. He added that residents were now celebrating the festival because the group had been driven out of the region.

Sirak Melese, Dessie Diocese Manager of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, said Timket was being celebrated with love and unity. He said Muslim neighbors were helping Christians clean areas for the festival, a sign of neighbors standing together in unity (Psalm 133:1).

Sirak said the conduct of Muslim residents during the festival was remarkable and showed the strong culture and values of the local people.

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