10/09/2025
His Eminence Abune Henok, Archbishop of West and South Africa Diocese Express his message regarding to Ethiopian New Year !
“Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit” Eze 18:31
To all Ethiopians, residing in the countries of South and West Africa as well as throughout the world:
By His goodness, our Lord, our God, and our Savior Jesus Christ, who makes the times fruitful, has brought us and you in peace and health to the Year of Mercy, the Year of St. Mark 2018 (Ethiopian Calendar).
It is without question that God, in His abundant kindness, continually grants humankind the opportunity from year to year to repent and return to Him, so that we may be worthy to inherit His everlasting Kingdom.
The observance of the New Year and the reception of a new era signify self-examination and complete inner and spiritual renewal. It is a reminder for change and a call to correct the direction of our lives.
Beloved spiritual children,
As we live the Christian life, all of us are awaiting the new heaven and the new earth in which righteousness dwells, according to His promise (2 Peter 3:13). Thus, the newness of the year is a foundation for us to renew ourselves through repentance, preparing for the new life we await.
Especially in this time, instead of merely saying “the year is new,” we must focus on the process of making ourselves ready for the new era. Otherwise, without drawing closer to repentance and change, we will find ourselves far away from it.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires (Ephesians 4:22). Therefore, as we welcome the New Year, we should cast away the past times we spent in various sinful works, and with determination, repentance, and practice, we should embrace renewal.
Finally, giving thanks to God who has helped us reach this blessed Year of St. Mark 2018 among the generations, we exhort you to live in repentance, making it the way by which we please our God in this year, and to let love and peace be our manifestation. Above all, we call upon you as a fatherly appeal to receive the New Year in repentance, praying for our fellow countrymen and all people around the world who are suffering from war, famine, and hardship.
Glory be to God forever
Amen
+ Abba Henok
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Archbishop of South and West Africa Diocese
10 September 2025
Johannesburg, South Africa