Ethiopia's Meskel festival takes place amidst conflict

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STORY: Hundreds of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrated Meskel square in the capital Addis Ababa on Wednesday (September 27).

This year's celebrations take place as a conflict rages in the country's Amhara region between regional forces, local militia and government troops.

Ethiopian Orthodox church bishop, Abuna Abraham called for peace during his address to the festival goers.

This festival goer said she is hopeful that peace will eventually come.

"I can never imagine that this nation will be separated from each other. But here we are because we must see the testing times. There’s always a testing time and a tough time. Otherwise, we are a nation that is tied to each other with blood and flesh, with religion. I don’t think we will be separated from each other, and I believe God will not allow that to happen. I hope better times are yet to come.”

The national holiday marks the moment when the 4th century Roman Empress St Helena found Christ's cross in Jerusalem.

The celebration ended with the traditional burning of a large firewood bonfire and yellow daisies on top, representing the revelation that lead Empress Helena to finding the cross.