.Beauty of Timket emanates from values of Medemer: PM Abiy
ADDIS ABABA – Followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church have colorfully celebrated Ketera, the eve of Ethiopian Epiphany throughout the country yesterday.
Here in Addis Ababa tens of thousands of faithful from various parishes of the church have taken to the streets of the city escorting the holy arks or Tabots to the place where they stay over night. At Jan Meda, the place where the largest gathering of celebrants gather, Ketera has been marked with unique ceremony of religious songs and prayer.
In a message of best wishes on the occasion of the holiday, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed has also stressed that the beauty of Timket emanates from the values of Medemer and vowed to further uphold the ongoing change in the country.
The 2019 Timket Ketera or eve of Epiphany Festival in Ethiopia is unique compared to what they have experienced back in their homeland or other countries they have visited, disclosed the tourists. Natalie Bosak, a Ukrainian Orthodox, who is attending the ceremony for the second time told The Ethiopian Herald that the ceremony here is much more impressive than what she has experienced in Ukraine. It is an awesome experience to be with the people of Ethiopia and share the spirit here. She appreciated the coming of many Tabots together. Professor Ercole Dimartino, a German visitor, expressed the gathering as feeling of gospel and unity.
He has seen many scenes in countries like India, Spain, and Germany. However, this is unique in terms of expressing deep expression of belief. He also recommended this occasion to be visited by many other tourists since it adds value to their prior knowledge of Epiphany. Esther Sauzet, a French woman, on her part, said the festivity in Ethiopia is incomparable to the experience she had back in her homeland. The festivity back at her homeland is small.
They celebrate it with family at home. The celebration here, on the other hand, is huge since it involves an innumerable number of people. From this experience, Esther came to know about socializing with others and helping people.
The faithful stay in the venue overnight chanting prayers and religious songs as well as other ceremonies. Most of the faithful are set to return home escorting the Tabots of their respective parishes today. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is working towards registering Timket as world heritage by the United Nations, Education, Science and Culture Organization (UNESCO), it was learnt.
Herald January 19/2019
BY GETAHUN LEGESSE and MULATU BELACHEW
