Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
August 9, 2000
Interfaith group helps ease suffering in Ethiopia
By Peter Droege
As a tragedy of almost biblical proportions looms in Ethiopia, an interfaith group in Denver is working not only to save lives, but the rich cultural heritage of one of the world's most ancient nations.
"For four years, seasonal rains have not fallen in Ethiopia," explains Joseph Tafari, a deacon at St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Denver. "People who rely on agriculture and cattle have been forced to migrate seeking food - millions of lives are at risk," he added.
Catholic, Islamic and Orthodox immigrants to Colorado recently gathered at St. Mary Orthodox Church on 17th Street near downtown Denver to finalize plans for an Ethiopian Cultural Event, Aug. 26 at Boettcher Concert Hall, to highlight the nation's rich cultural traditions and raise awareness of the drought threatening the region.
Gabe Yesho, a member of Cure d' Ars Parish in Denver, explained that, unlike past famines that have brought great suffering to the nation, relief agencies are aware of the situation and responding as quickly as possible. But more needs to be done...
"Supplies are limited, so we are asking people to support the agencies that are delivering the relief," explained Yesho, a former seminarian who is now a software analyst in Denver. "But physical support is not enough, we hope that people will offer their prayers and see this tragedy as an opportunity to reflect on all that God has given to those of us fortunate enough to live in America," he added.
When the Ethiopian Orthodox community was seeking to establish a church, they were invited to use space at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Denver.
Ethiopia is mentioned many times in the Old and New Testaments. From the Queen of Seba, who visited King Solomon, to the Ethiopian official evangelized by Philip in the Acts of the Apostles, the nation has played a central role for people of the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faiths.
There is even a strong tradition that the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments is hidden somewhere in the nation.
"For thousands of years, people of all faiths have peacefully coexisted in Ethiopia," explained Tafari. "It is one of the few places where Jewish people have lived in peace and have not been forced to flee oppression," he added.
Ali Abdella, who is of the Islamic faith, was among those gathered at St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
"For us, there is nothing unusual about people of different faiths reaching out to work together," explained Abdella. "When a problem comes, we are able to unite as Orthodox, Catholics and Muslims to reach out and ease the suffering of the poor," he added.
An ancient people of beautiful cultural traditions, Tafari said that many of the Ethiopians living in other nations feel as if they are "accidental immigrants."
"In the cultural event, we will draw attention to the 3,000 years of tradition found in Ethiopia," he explained.
Through music, dance and other presentations, the "Ethiopian Cultural Event" will help ease suffering during the ongoing drought. Tickets are $30, $40 or $50 and are available through "Ticketmaster," or by calling 303-830-8497. For information on ongoing efforts to provide relief to Ethiopia, call St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Church at 303-988-1560.
