Ethiopians in London Celebrated the Finding of the True Cross on 25 September 2016 at the Haverstock School in the Borough of Camden with anxiety and great concern about their home land Ethiopia.
The reason for the Anxiety and concern is the gross Human Rights Violations in Ethiopia by the current ethnic based minority regime (TPLF). This year’s Masqel Celebration was different from all other times in the history of Ethiopia i.e. Masqal (መስቀል ወይም ደመራ) was not celebrated as joyfully as the previous years.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church both at home and in diaspora decided to keep the celebration at law level because currently Ethiopians are being killed, persecuted and tortured by the incumbent. The people of the two historic Cities namely the people of Gondar and BahirDar Christians are invaded by the heavily armed tribal killer soldiers and skipped one of their most loved festivals and stayed at home to express their bitter condemnation against the criminal ethnic based regime of TPLF.
The Event was organised by the Majority members of St Mary of DebreTsion ETOC. Melake Birhan Qes Birhanu Bisrat told to the gathering that Ethiopians have rejected the divisive flag and remain united with their real ancient flag of Ethiopia which is a symbol of Unity and liberty. Melake Birhan Qes Birhanu advised the participants of the Masqal Celebration to prey for the suffering people of Ethiopia and for peace and stability in the rest of the world. Finally he wished Ethiopia a wise and elected great future leader. Deacon Israel preached about Masqal and the gathering further prayed for the massacred, tortured, imprisoned and persecuted people of Ethiopia.
Haverstock School was decorated by the legal Ethiopia and UK’s Union flags. The regime in Ethiopia created an illegal flag against the will and recognition of the Ethiopian people. Ethiopians recognise the Green, Yellow and Read flag of Ethiopia which is well known globally, historic, glorious, symbol of Unity and freedom.
Human Right groups, Social Media and other news outlets reported that currently heinous crimes are being committed against the innocent people of Ethiopia by the current illegitimate regime. However, Adults, the young and the elderlies are hopeful to see the future united and peaceful Ethiopia.
BRIEF INTRODUCTION ABOUT MASKAL
Maskal (መስቀል ወይም ደመራ) is one of the most joyful Ethiopian Orthodox church celebrations. According to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Queen Helena (Empress Helen) the Mother of Constantine the Great, found the true cross in 320 AD in which jesus Christ was crucified.
She did not know where the holy cross was buried and prayed for help. Finally she was helped by the smoke from the burning/fire which indicated the exact location of the buried cross.
The Patriarch of Alexandria brought half way and gave to Emperor Dawit of Ethiopia. The deeply spiritual Emperor Dawit travelled to today’s North Sudan and received half of the True Cross and died in his journey before he reached back to his city Debre Birihan.
The true cross was brought by his followers to Shoa (Ethiopia). Emperor Dawit was the father of the globally renowned philosopher King Zerayacob in Shewa. Zerayacob is one of the greatest spiritual leaders of Ethiopia who is the founder of Debre Birhan (ደብረ ብርሃን) which means the Mountain/place of light. Today part of the True Cross is found in Wello at the Gishen Mariam church, not far fro the city of Dessie.
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