Millions celebrate Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7, following ancient traditions
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, CanadaZip Code
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 19:01 UTC
Visa woes block top world cross country runners from competing in Florida
ETAI-assisted summary Numerous Ethiopian athletes were denied U.S. visas, preventing them from competing in the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Florida. A spokesperson from Visit Tallahassee, who partnered with World Athletics to bring the Cross Country Championships to Tallahassee, said that visa issues are not exclusive to Ethiopian athletes. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe had acknowledged during a media call in December that visa issues were a concern. The USOPC is being very helpful, as they were in Eugene a couple of years ago when we had the World Championships there. All I can tell you is we are aware of the situation and it’s obviously very important that if you have a World Cross Country Championships, you have Ethiopia there.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 17:24 UTC
Philippines evacuates 3,000 people after activity increases at Mayon Volcano
Add AP News on Google Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. ShareMANILA, Philippines (AP) — A series of mild eruptions at the most active volcano in the Philippines has prompted the evacuation of nearly 3,000 villagers from a danger zone on its foothills, officials said Wednesday. Follow onAnother 600 villagers living outside the permanent danger zone have evacuated voluntarily to government-run emergency shelters to be safely away from the volcano, Claudio Yucot, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense, said. Entry to the permanent danger zone in the volcano’s foothills is prohibited, but thousands of villagers have flouted the restrictions and made it their home or maintained farms on and off for generations. The 2,462-meter (8,007-foot) volcano is one of the Philippines’ top tourism draws because of its near-perfect cone shape.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 14:26 UTC
Ethiopian absence at World Cross in Tallahassee is tip of the iceberg
The Ethiopian squad at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday (Jan 10) has been hit by multiple visa rejections. Even African nation Eritrea, usually a strong contender at the World Cross, is absent from Tallahassee, perhaps after struggling with similar visa issues to their neighbour Ethiopia. These include Brits such as Abbie Donnelly, who finished an excellent 20th at the last World Cross in Belgrade in 2024, plus Scott Beattie, who was a fine fourth in last month's Euro Cross. The last World Cross in Belgrade less than two years ago was similar, with most of Europe quietly boycotting the championships. In the 1990s, for instance, Birhan Dagne ran for Ethiopia at the World Cross in Durham but then fled to London to apply for asylum.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 13:19 UTC
Sharjah Festival of African Literature returns with continent’s leading authors and poets
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent. Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 12:17 UTC
Ethiopia's unique calendar: Why it's still in 2018 while the world celebrates 2026
This is due to the nation's adherence to the Geʽez calendar, which follows older calculations for Christ's birth, placing it several years later than the Gregorian calendar. The Ethiopian calendar features 13 months, with its New Year commencing in September. It’s simply because Ethiopia follows a different calendar altogether.Instead of the globally popular Gregorian calendar, Ethiopia officially uses the Geʽez (or Ethiopian) calendar, a traditional solar calendar that works on its own calculations and rhythm. The Geʽez calendar isn’t an informal tradition; it is used in courts, banks, offices, schools and everyday paperwork.For Ethiopians, this calendar is the official timeline of life.So where does the seven-to-eight-year gap come from? It wraps up with Pagume, the short 13th month, falling in early September.So yes, Ethiopia isn’t “stuck in time”.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 12:13 UTC
Video. Latest news bulletin | January 7th, 2026 – Morning
Water MattersEurope's water is under increasing pressure. Pollution, droughts, floods are taking their toll on our drinking water, lakes, rivers and coastlines. Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters, how our wastewater can be better managed, and to discover some of the best water solutions. Video reports, an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters, from Euronews.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 12:07 UTC
Ethiopian Airlines opens Lyon route, boosting Africa–Europe tourism - CAJ News Africa
For Africa’s tourism industry, the new Lyon route represents a significant opportunity. Commenting on the new service, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to Africa’s global connectivity. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates one of the youngest fleets in Africa, deploying ultra-modern aircraft on its international routes. Through its Pan-African approach and multiple hubs across the continent, Ethiopian Airlines continues to strengthen Africa’s voice in global aviation and tourism. With the introduction of services to Lyon, Ethiopian Airlines further reinforces its leadership role in connecting Africa to key global markets and advancing the continent’s travel and tourism ambitions.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 11:08 UTC
Ethiopia fossil discovery challenges theory of human origins
The fossil is considered one of the best-preserved specimens from this period ever found in Africa, with teeth still intact. Researchers believe the skull belonged to Homo erectus, an extinct human species regarded as a direct ancestor of modern humans. "The discovery confirms that Homo erectus, the direct predecessor of modern humans, originated in Africa," emphasised scientist Sileshi Semaw. According to the researcher, the facial features of the fossil closely resemble those of ancient human populations that later migrated from Africa to Europe and Asia around 1.8 million years ago. "The evidence refutes the idea that ancient humans migrated back into Africa," Semaw added, supporting the view that Homo erectus evolved on the African continent.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 10:10 UTC
Ethiopians gather for Orthodox Christmas Eve candlelight ceremony
Ethiopians gather for Orthodox Christmas Eve candlelight ceremonyEthiopia marked Orthodox Christmas Eve on Tuesday with a large candlelight ceremony in Addis Ababa, where thousands gathered in Meskel Square for prayers, hymns and a midnight Mass. Worshippers, many dressed in white traditional clothing, stood shoulder to shoulder as priests led the service. The ceremony was followed by an all-night vigil, ending a 43-day fasting period observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Despite this, the gathering in Addis Ababa reflected a strong desire for normality and spiritual continuity. Ethiopia is largely Orthodox because Christianity was adopted there in the fourth century and became a lasting part of the country’s identity.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 09:38 UTC
Ethiopia's Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Eve in Addis Ababa
Thousands of Orthodox Christians dressed in white celebrated Christmas Eve in Addis Ababa’s Meskel Square on Tuesday. The candlelight ceremony in Ethiopia’s capital was followed by an all-night church service, marking the end of 43 days of fasting. Ethiopian Orthodox Christians follow the Julian calendar, which runs 13 days later than the Gregorian calendar used by Catholics and Protestants. Everyone is spiritually joyous," said Estifanos Girma, deacon of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, in the square. But Addis Ababa is thriving after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali spent billions of dollars on a face lift that includes bike lanes, a conference center, parks and museums.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 08:52 UTC
Knesset debates police bias against Ethiopian Israelis
At a meeting of the Knesset’s Special Committee for Oversight of Barrier Removal Processes held on Tuesday, lawmakers discussed concerns over excessive policing of Israelis of Ethiopian descent. You are breaking us.”Police cite progress, deny claimsPolice spokesperson Aryeh Doron, who participated in the discussion, responded, “We work day and night for the Ethiopian community, and we will do everything possible to improve relations. There have been significant changes, and more are coming.”He noted that Israel Police had established a unit dedicated to building ties with the Ethiopian community. “Both the minister and the police commissioner supported the law to expunge criminal records for Israelis of Ethiopian descent. I asked for a meeting with Danny Levy here in the Knesset, and it did not happen.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 06:04 UTC
No relief for Ethiopian mom of 8 whose visa expired in 2017
She Says Have Sought UN Refugee Status; Not Recognised In India: FRROMUMBAI: Bombay HC's vacation bench recently denied interim relief against deportation to an Ethiopian national, who has eight children and has allegedly resided without a valid visa in India since 2017. The only allegation is that she overstayed in India, said Giri, adding that the woman had already applied to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and would go home the moment she is granted refugee status.Advocates Manisha Jagtap and Yashashree Raut for FRRO said "UNHCR refugee card status is not recognised under Indian law, as India is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol".According to the immigration officer's affidavit, the woman arrived in Delhi in July 2017 on a medical attendant sticker in connection with her son. She, her husband and six children, all Ethiopian nationals, came to India on medical visas and, while in India, she gave birth to two more children in 2019 and 2024. FRRO said she was found overstaying illegally during a drive undertaken to detect such foreign nationals residing in Mumbai.HC said she was found only when a drive was conducted, and although her visa was valid only till Nov 8, 2017, she did not apply for an extension. It said she, thus, stayed illegally since Nov 9, 2017, in clear violation of Immigration of Foreigners Act, 2025, and prima facie, no case was made out for any relief.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 05:27 UTC
UAE and Ethiopia reaffirm strategic partnership during high-level talks
WAMThe United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their strategic partnership during high-level talks focused on regional security, humanitarian crises and global cooperation. The discussions took place on January 6 during a working visit by Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan to Ethiopia. The UAE and Ethiopia condemned attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers, calling on all warring parties to ensure their protection. The talks recalled the High-Level Humanitarian Conference for the People of Sudan, co-hosted by the UAE, Ethiopia, IGAD and the African Union on the margins of the AU Summit in February 2025, which mobilised international support for Sudan’s humanitarian needs. The talks also highlighted the upcoming UN Water Conference 2026, to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal later this year.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 01:52 UTC
Ebola-related virus in Ethiopia has the WHO highly concerned
News from southern Ethiopia confirms the country’s first Marburg virus disease outbreak, tied to an Ebola-related pathogen. Inside Ethiopia, health teams now race to trace contacts, isolate patients, and explain an unfamiliar virus to worried communities. Marburg virus outbreak in EthiopiaThe Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) is at the center of the country’s investigations. Until now, Ethiopia had never reported Marburg virus disease, despite its neighbors documenting outbreaks across East and Central Africa. Marburg virus next stepsInvestigators in Ethiopia are sharing samples with reference laboratories so genetic sequencing can confirm the virus strain and watch for any changes.
Source:Ethiopian News
January 07, 2026 00:22 UTC