Orthodox Christians at prayers. (Photo: Sebit Patrick/Eye Radio).

Thousands of jubilant believers gathered at the Debre Genet Eritrean Orthodox Church in Juba on Wednesday to commemorate the assumption of St Mary, mother of God.

Celebrated every 21st January of the Geez calendar, worshipers of the Debre Genet observe the event as they regard it as the day when Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ died, rose and ascended into heaven.

Reverend Samuel Abraha, the Administrator of St Mary Church, highlighted the importance of reflecting on the life and death of St Mary the mother of God.

The clergy preached that Mary chosen from among all the women in the world, did not live forever but also died at the age of 65 before she ascended into heaven.

Rev. Samuel urged believers to use this commemoration St. Mary to achieve glory and follow the mother of God in heaven.

He also called on the Eritrean believers to follow the orders and activities of the church.

“In order to get glory, in order to get blessings and in order to follow her (Mary) to heaven, we are celebrating this day, to remind us on the need to follow her footstep of St Mary the mother of God. Mary was chosen from among many mothers.”

“If we follow everything she did while on earth, we will be able to follow her to heaven. Eritrean orthodox must follow the same footstep and participate in all the activities of the church to attain salvation,” said Samuel.

Deacon Joseph Gebrekidan, a believer, said this day helps him to enrich his spiritual life and get blessings to continue their lives.

He also said this commemoration give them the opportunity to pray for the country South Sudan, which is their second home.

“We are getting a lot of blessings from this prayer. It helps us to get richer in faith and share in the activities of the church and with one another. It also helps us to pray for peace in our second home South Sudan.”

The Eritrean calendar starts the New Year from 1^st September to the 31^st August to complete the cycle of the annual calendar.