According to Ethiopian Orthodox belief, bonfire smoke led searchers to the cross used to crucify Christ.
By John Molseed
September 26, 2022 08:52 AM
ROCHESTER — For the second year in a row, local Ethiopian Orthodox Christians observed Meskel on the shore of Cascade Lake.
Although the event went on without a hitch this year, last year’s celebration almost didn’t happen.
Sounds of song and wood smoke filled the air at Cascade Lake Beach Sunday as the traditional bonfire, known as a Demera, burned to mark Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s observance of the discovery of the cross on which the Christian messiah Jesus was crucified.
Some Demera are assembled around a wooden cross to symbolize the discovery. Passersby last year saw the wood cross in the middle of a large pile of firewood on the beach last year. They misinterpreted the set up for a possible cross burning, a hateful symbolism used by the Ku Klux Klan to terrorize African Americans and Jews and other groups.
“They perceived it in the wrong way and dismantled it,” said Eyob Adehane.
A group quickly reassembled the pile and attendance at last year’s event was good enough to encourage church leaders to plan public observances again this year, Adehane added.
“It went beyond our expectations,” he said.
About 500 Ethiopians live in Rochester. Community leaders estimate about 80% of them are Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. The Meskel celebration is a way for members to come together and celebrate one of their most important holidays.
“Even though we’re a small community, to celebrate, to fulfill our observations, that by itself is a blessing,” Adehane said.
Meskel Event at Cascade Lake
An event for the Ethiopian Orthodox holiday of Meskel is held Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022 at Cascade Lake in Rochester.
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A service preceded a procession to the beach where a pile of wood was set on fire as people sang songs and danced in the sand near the bonfire.
The fire marks Ethiopian Orthodox belief that Queen Eleni, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, had a revelation that smoke from a bonfire would lead her where the cross was buried.
The holiday marks the beginning of the excavation of the cross.
More than 100 people attended the service celebration Sunday. The City of Rochester Parks and Recreation Department allowed the group access to the beach in the off season.
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“It’s very nice to get this location,” Adehane said.
The nearby water and sand reduced the risk of the blaze accidentally spreading, he added.
This year, Meskel observances in Ethiopia are planned for Sept. 27. Ethiopians here hold the event the weekend nearest to the holiday to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend.
Photos: Meskel celebration at Cascade Lake
RELATED TOPICS: ROCHESTER
By John Molseed
John Molseed joined the Post Bulletin in 2018. He covers arts, culture, entertainment, nature and other fun stories he’s surprised he gets paid to cover. When he’s not writing articles about Southeast Minnesota artists and musicians, he’s either picking banjo, brewing beer, biking or looking for other hobbies that begin with the letter “b.” Readers can reach John at 507-285-7713 or jmolseed@postbulletin.com.