Oriental Orthodox Epiphany Celebrations held in Ethiopia
21/1/2012
Special Courtesy: Solomon Mengist
For the first time ever the representatives of the Oriental Orthodox celebrated Epiphany in Addis Ababa. The Representatives of various Oriental Orthodox Churches are on a visit to Ethiopia to participate in the annual Orthodox – Roman Catholic dialogue from 16th to 22nd of January 2012. The combinted celebration of the Epiphany was initiated by His Holiness Abune Paulose, Patriarch of Ethiopia.
SOLOMON MENGIST REPORTING ON EPIPHANY CELEBRATIONS FROM ADDIS ABABA
The feast of Timkat is the most important Christian holiday in Ethiopia.
Timkat (baptism in Amharic), is the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany. It celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
This year’s Timkat is being celebrated colorfully among Orthodox Christian faithful throughout Ethiopia.
In the capital Addis Ababa, the holiday was celebrated with various religious and traditional assortments.
On the eve of Timkat Thursday evening, Sunday school students adored in their colorful uniforms arrived at ‘Jan Meda’-the Epiphany site-chanting and singing.
They spent the night in procession in front of the ‘Tabot’s, a symbol of the Ark of Covenant containing the 10 Commandments, placed in specially put up tents.
Friday morning, the baptismal water at ‘Jan Meda’ was blessed by his holiness Abune Paulos, Patriarch of the
Ethiopian Orthodox Church and archbishops, and sprinkled on the faithful gathered there.
Speaking on the occasion, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abune Paulos called on the faithful to preserve Epiphany celebrations to the coming generations.
Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa City, Abate Sitotaw and invited guests took part in the event.
Following the, the ‘Tabots’ were taken back to their respective churches in colorful processions.
The ceremony in Addis Ababa attracted a huge number of foreign tourists.
