EVENTS
Stay updated with the latest events at St Rufael and Abune Echege Yohannes Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo congregation. Join us for religious festivals, celebrations, and community gatherings. We welcome you to be a part of our spiritual journey and experience the rich traditions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.
Event Worship Activity
Eve praises (wazema ዋዜማ)
The poetry, known as "ቅኔ," is a significant aspect of our religious practices, crafted by esteemed clergy members. It primarily consists of praises related to the upcoming celebration, occasionally honouring scholars present at the event. Mastery of this poetic art form takes five years and requires approval from scholars, underscoring its importance in our traditions. During the Eve praises, musical instruments like the tsenatsil, mequamiya, and kebero are utilised, adding depth and solemnity to the ceremonies. I will delve into further detail about these instruments shortly.
Midnight Praises (Mahlet ማኅሌት)
Mahlet is a term used in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church to refer to hymns or chants of praise. These hymns are often performed during religious ceremonies and services, and they play a significant role in the worship practices of the church. Mahlet can include various forms of musical expression, such as singing, chanting, and the use of traditional instruments like the tsenatsil, mequamiya, and kebero. The content of Mahlet typically focuses on praising God, the saints, and other religious figures, and it is an integral part of the liturgical tradition. We believe that these hymns were composed by Saint Yared, Saint Yared, also known as Abba Yared, is a revered Ethiopian saint who is celebrated for his significant contributions to Ethiopian religious music and hymnody. He is considered the founder of Ethiopian sacred music and is credited with developing the unique musical notation system used in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Saint Yared's compositions, known as "Zema," are an integral part of the church's worship tradition and are sung during religious ceremonies and services. Saint Yared's legacy continues to be honoured and cherished in Ethiopian Orthodox Christian communities.
Liturgy (Kidase ቅዳሴ)
The Ethiopian Orthodox liturgy is a sacred and elaborate form of worship that holds deep spiritual significance within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The liturgy is a structured and ceremonial service that includes prayers, hymns, chants, readings from the Bible, and rituals performed by priests and deacons.
The Ethiopian Orthodox liturgy is rooted in ancient Christian traditions and has been passed down through generations, maintaining its authenticity and connection to the early Christian practices. It is conducted in the Ge'ez language, which is considered holy and is used exclusively for religious purposes in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
During the liturgy, various components symbolize different aspects of the faith and the believer's relationship with God. The rituals and prayers are designed to create a sense of reverence, awe, and connection to the divine. The use of incense, candles, crosses, and sacred music, such as the chanting of hymns accompanied by instruments like the Kebero drum, all contribute to the spiritual atmosphere of the service.
The Ethiopian Orthodox liturgy also includes the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, where the faithful partake in the body and blood of Christ through the consecration of bread and wine. This sacrament is central to the liturgy and represents the believer's union with Christ and the community of believers.
Overall, the Ethiopian Orthodox liturgy is a profound and intricate expression of faith, steeped in tradition, symbolism, and devotion. It serves as a means for worshippers to connect with God, participate in the life of the Church, and experience the presence of the divine in a tangible and meaningful way.
The Ethiopian Orthodox liturgy is primarily carried out by the clergy of the church, which includes priests, deacons, and sometimes bishops.
Hymns (Mezmur መዝሙር)
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, hymns play a significant role in liturgical worship, creating a spiritual ambience and enhancing the overall experience for the congregation. The hymns performed by the choir members and children, known as the Debteras, are deeply rooted in the church's rich musical tradition and are sung in the Ge'ez language, which is considered sacred in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
The hymns sung by the choir and children are characterized by their melodic and rhythmic patterns that are unique to Ethiopian Orthodox music. The music is often accompanied by traditional instruments like the Kebero drum, sistrum, kirar, mesenqo, and begena (traditional string instruments), adding a distinctive sound to the hymns.
The hymns themselves cover a wide range of themes, including praise and worship of God, biblical stories, saints, and theological teachings. They are divided into different categories based on their function within the liturgy:
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**Mezmur**: These are hymns of praise that glorify God and express adoration. Mezmur are often sung during the processional parts of the liturgy and are characterized by their joyful and celebratory nature.
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**Zema**: Zema refers to the chanting or singing of hymns that are more contemplative. These hymns are often sung during moments of reflection and prayer within the service.
Hymns focus on peace and harmony, invoking blessings and tranquillity upon the congregation. They are sung to create a sense of unity and spiritual well-being among the worshippers.
Children in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church also play a special role in singing hymns during the liturgy. They are often trained from a young age to participate in the choir and learn the traditional melodies and chants. Their voices bring a sense of innocence and purity to the hymns, adding a unique dimension to the overall musical experience.
Preaching (Sibket ስብከት)
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the preaching performed by church scholars and clergy members holds a significant place in the religious life of the community. The sermons delivered by these individuals are deeply rooted in the teachings of the church, the Bible, and the traditions of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.
Church scholars are respected for their knowledge of religious texts, history, and theology. They often deliver sermons that are rich in biblical references, theological insights, and practical guidance for the congregation. Scholars are seen as spiritual guides who interpret the scriptures and provide moral and ethical teachings to the faithful.
Clergy members, including priests and bishops, also play a central role in preaching to the congregation. Their sermons focus on a wide range of topics, including faith, morality, social issues, and personal growth. Clergy members are seen as spiritual leaders who provide pastoral care and support to the community through their preaching.
The preaching in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is characterized by its poetic language, use of metaphors, and allegorical interpretations of the Bible. Sermons are often delivered with passion, conviction, and a deep sense of reverence for the sacred texts. The goal of the preaching is to inspire, educate, and uplift the congregation, encouraging them to live according to the teachings of the church and lead a virtuous life.
Overall, the preaching performed by church scholars and clergy members in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church plays a vital role in nurturing the spiritual life of the community, fostering a sense of unity, faith, and devotion among the faithful.
The Circling of the Arch of the Covenant
( Serate ue’det ሥርዓተ ዑደት)
The Ark of the Covenant holds immense significance in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and its presence is deeply rooted in both religious belief and historical tradition. According to Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, the Ark of the Covenant, which is believed to contain the tablets of the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God, was brought to Ethiopia by Menelik I, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
The Ark is considered the most sacred object in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and its presence symbolizes the presence of God among His people. In Ethiopian Orthodox churches, a replica of the Ark, known as the Tabot, is kept in a special sanctuary called the Holy of Holies, which is only accessible to priests and deacons. The arch is only touched and lifted by priests and other clergy members are not allowed to touch the arch and anything that the arch rests on such as the menber. This is where the Arch is kept and the liturgy takes place.
During religious ceremonies and processions, the Tabot is carefully carried on the head of a priest, covered with richly embroidered cloths, and surrounded by worshippers singing hymns and carrying liturgical umbrellas. This ceremonial procession symbolizes the journey of the Ark of the Covenant and the Israelites in the wilderness, as well as the presence of God leading His people.
The circular movement of the Ark of the Covenant during these processions represents the idea of divine protection, guidance, and blessing extending to all directions and encompassing the entire congregation. It symbolizes the omnipresence and omnipotence of God, as well as His covenant with His people.
In essence, the Ark of the Covenant going around in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church serves as a powerful symbol of faith, unity, and divine presence, reminding believers of God's promises, protection, and guidance in their lives.