On September 26, 2026, Patriarch of the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church, His Holiness Abune Basilios Martoma Matthew III, described the Ethiopian Cross site, registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, as a significant global treasure. During his visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he expressed his joy in celebrating the Ethiopian Cross festival, highlighting the country's rich spiritual heritage.
His Holiness emphasized that the recognition of the Ethiopian Cross by UNESCO serves as a message of unity among diverse global communities. The patriarch noted that Ethiopia and India share a long-standing historical relationship, despite geographical distance, and that their spiritual connections remain strong.
The Malankara Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church have a historic and enduring relationship, with the two institutions having maintained connections for centuries. In 1965, Oriental Orthodox Churches convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss ecclesiastical matters, marking a significant milestone in their cooperation.
During his visit, His Holiness Abune Basilios Martoma Matthew III participated in the celebration of the Ethiopian Cross festival, underscoring the significance of this event in Ethiopian culture. The patriarch's presence highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage sites, such as the Ethiopian Cross, for future generations.
The Ethiopian Cross site, registered by UNESCO, is a testament to the country's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. This recognition has not only acknowledged the site's significance but also underscored the importance of preserving such cultural treasures for the global community.
His Holiness expressed his confidence that the relationship between the Malankara Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church will continue to strengthen in the future, ensuring the continuation of their historical and spiritual ties. The patriarch's visit served as a symbol of the enduring bond between the two churches.
The celebration of the Ethiopian Cross festival, attended by His Holiness Abune Basilios Martoma Matthew III, showcased the vibrant cultural heritage of Ethiopia and the significance of this event in the country's spiritual landscape. The patriarch's message of unity and cooperation resonated with the attendees, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage sites.
Key points
- The Ethiopian Cross site has been registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
- His Holiness Abune Basilios Martoma Matthew III visited Addis Ababa to celebrate the Ethiopian Cross festival.
- The Malankara Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church have a long-standing historical relationship.
