Ethiopian community celebrates Christmas at FOCOS
According to the Julian calendar, 7th January marks Christmas Day for Ethiopians around the world. At Focos Hospital , our pediatric patients were blessed to have the priest Rev. Solomon Eskandar and a group of women from his church on Sunday 8th January, join them in celebrating the birth of Christ.
As with every Christmas party, delicious Ethiopian food and drinks were served, religious songs were sang, and many pleasantries exchanged. The President and founder of FOCOS, Prof Dr Oheneba Boachie-Adjei and a team of his doctors were also there to grace the occasion and share the joys of Christmas with the children.
Speaking to Precious Bonsu, development officer at Focos, Rev Solomon said, “Christmas is a time to show the love of God to mankind through the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord. It is for this reason that the we are here to share in the joy of this festive season with the children at FOCOS Hospital. We are simply amazed and touched by the wonderful work that FOCOS is doing by helping these children stand Tall and have a brighter future.” He further commended the entire staff, nurses, doctors, caregivers, volunteers and the visionary Prof Boachie-Adjei.
Ethiopia is one of the oldest nations in Africa. It still follows the ancient Julian calendar, so Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s celebration of Christ’s birth is called Ganna. It is a day when families attend church.