In a vivid celebration of ancient Christian tradition, representatives of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Catholic Churches gathered on Monday, May 12, in the Choir Chapel of St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the Jubilee of Eastern Churches with a solemn Divine Liturgy in the Geʽez Rite.

The liturgy was presided over by Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, Archbishop of Addis Ababa, with Archbishop Menghesteab Tesfamariam of Asmara joining as concelebrant. At the outset, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, offered spontaneous words of welcome and encouragement to the faithful gathered for the occasion.

Both the Ethiopian and Eritrean Catholic Churches, classified as Metropolitan Churches sui iuris, share a common heritage rooted in the Alexandrian tradition and celebrate their liturgical life in the ancient Geʽez language—an enduring testament to their cultural and spiritual lineage.

In Rome, the future clergy of these Churches are nurtured at the Pontifical Ethiopian College, where they are formed not only in theology and pastoral care but also in the rich spiritual legacy of their communities.

This legacy draws from deep biblical and historical roots. Among the most cherished traditions is the account of the Queen of Sheba’s encounter with King Solomon, as told in the Books of Kings and Chronicles, and their son Menelik, who is believed to have established the Solomonic line of the Kingdom of Axum. Another significant scriptural moment is found in the Acts of the Apostles (Chapter 8), where Deacon Philip evangelizes the Ethiopian royal official—an event viewed as the scriptural birth of Christianity in the region.

The Divine Liturgy at St. Peter’s stood as a radiant symbol of unity in diversity, honoring the ancient faith of the Horn of Africa while affirming its living presence within the universal Church.