Milestone for Ethiopian church

The service was held at St Peters RC Church in Roath, Cardiff

An Ethiopian community has gathered to celebrate the anniversary of its first church in Wales.

A service at St Peter's Roman Catholic church in Roath, Cardiff, marked the building as a holy place of worship for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The Metmiqe Melekot Kidus Yohannes church was set up a year ago for the capital's growing number of Ethiopians.

Priest Malake Fion Habte Marian said people from the wider community were welcome to join in the celebrations.

Around 100 people took part in the celebrations.

The celebration marked the Ethiopian church's first year in Wales

The service was conducted in Ahmaric, Ge'ez and English and as part of the service the priest dedicated a special prayer blessing Wales and the church on its first birthday.

Malake Fion Habte Marian, an angel of Zion, said: "We are glad we can establish a church in Wales.

"We welcome people from the wider community to come and celebrate with us," he said.

The service was to be followed by a reception where traditional Ethiopian food will be served.