MILLENIUM CELLEBRETION IN OTTAWA

The 2000 Ethiopian millennium and New Year was colorfully celebrated in Ottawa in an exceptionally exhilarating sprit and mood.

The ebullient sprit that had reined through out the night of September 15/16, 2007 was felt right from the foyer of the hall, decorated  by the flag of the  Federal Democratic Republic  of Ethiopia  with a golden star glowing at the center-symbolizing the unity and diversity of our nations and nationalities.

The hall was also coruscated and glittered with posters of beautiful Ethiopian girls wearing the customs of each nation and nationality. The posters represent the multitudinous nature of our society and convey the message that Ethiopia is indeed endowed with diverse and rich cultures.

Upon entering the hall, the guests were received by the organizing committee and  were invited to take a seat on a dining tables, artistically decorated with semblance of our flag’s tri-color.

The day’s event was initiated by specially set program designed by giving due regard to the holy month of Ramadan. For our Muslim brothers, the new millennium was especially ebullient because it coincided with the on-set of the fasting month. There fore our Muslim brothers who fasted from dusk to don had their “iftir” in the hall, preceded by a short prayer.

After the“iftir” other gusts had arrived. At this time, the hall already decorated with copasetic touch had agglomerated people from all walks of life, nationality, and religion. Also, present on the occasion were diplomats and staff of the Ethiopian Embassy as well as foreign invited guests.

At about 9:00pm the organizing committee chair ato Haileselassie opened the ceremony by inviting Aba Marcos, The head of The Ottawa Ethiopian Tewahido Orthodox-Debretsion st.Mary Church by humbly requesting to give his blessings. In return,Aba Marcos in his ethereal address, thanked god for protecting our country and for giving us the longevity to celebrate the beginning of this new millennium. Next aba Marcos led a short prayer and declared that the ceremony was opened and urged people  to enjoy the feast.

Shortly after supper, ato Haileselassie invited w/o Burtukan Ayano, a diplomat and representative of the Ethiopian Embassy in Ottawa to give a speech .In her enunciated speech, w/o Burtukan Ayano indicated that the dark era was gone and the renaissance of our country has already began. W/o Burtukan informed the audience that the Ethiopian government has proper policies in place. And she encouraged  the Diaspora Ethiopians to take advantage of the conducive environment and policies to invest and build their own ancestral country.

Next, a speech was delivered by ato Haileselassie. Ato Haileselassie noted the glorious and golden era of the first millennium. He particularly mentioned the fact that Ethiopia was the hub of civilization and for the large part of the first millennium it was one of the top four elite kingdoms of the world. “Alas and alack” he added, ‘the second millennium was a path of regression and backwardness”. However, he expressed his satisfaction of the fact that our country had already changed course and gladly started the long road to regain its past glory. Further in his speech, ato  Haileselassie  thanked the different community associations and more specially the Women members of the Tigrean community who make the event a great success. Finally he declared the ceremony opened and invited members and guests   to enjoy the feast and music.

The music and the magnanimous feast as well as the regal atmosphere of the event had given way to a vernal and delightful night. The exceptionally regal atmosphere continued until the closing of the event at 3:00.am. What a memorable night!

By

Tinsae Ethiopia