His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, has called upon the faithful to dedicate this Lenten season to fervent prayer for peace, national stability, and the safety of all Ethiopians.

Addressing a nation grappling with various challenges, the Patriarch emphasised the importance of spiritual reflection, repentance, and acts of charity during this sacred period.

In a message released ahead of the Lent week, Abune Mathias implored Ethiopians to prioritise prayer for the well-being of the nation and its citizens, specifically those facing hardship.

"We should spend the Lent week praying for the peace of the country and the safety of the people, and helping our people who are suffering for various reasons with whatever they need," he stated.

His words come at a time when Ethiopia confronts economic pressures, regional tensions, and other issues that have caused a sense of uncertainty.

The Patriarch underscored the spiritual significance of fasting, explaining that it serves as a means to control worldly desires and cultivate obedience to God. “The main reason why we need to fast regularly is to tame our flesh and be obedient to God," he explained.

He continued, “In this way, we fast to approach God with a calm spirit, remembering our sins, and to approach Him with repentance and obedience."

He attributed much of the world's current turmoil to a departure from divine principles, particularly disobedience to God's commandments.

The Patriarch warned against the growing destructive tendencies prevalent in the world, emphasising the crucial need for individuals to embrace peace, practice compassion, and show love in all aspects of life.

“If it is in love, even the least is enough for everyone," Abune Mathias asserted, urging Ethiopians to embody love and harmony in their interactions.

He specifically called for acts of generosity and support for those enduring suffering, regardless of the causes of their distress.

The message from His Holiness resonates deeply within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faithful, which observes a strict fasting period during Lent.

This period of spiritual preparation involves abstaining from animal products and engaging in heightened prayer, introspection, and charitable acts. Abune Mathias's call to action serves as a powerful reminder of the church's role in fostering social cohesion and promoting peace in a time of national need, blending spiritual devotion with civic responsibility. His words emphasise that seeking divine intervention, coupled with individual acts of compassion, is the key to healing and strengthening the nation.