BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church pilgrims from all over the country and abroad flock to Axum, one of the holiest cities of Ethiopians, to celebrate the festival of Axum Zion Mariam which falls on November 30 or on Hidar, 21 in the Ethiopian calendar.
The day is observed with special fervor particularly in Axum Tsion where the Ark of the Covenant is kept safely. Whenever the day is marked, it will be attended by massive Christian pilgrimages from all over Ethiopia and also foreign visitors making it one of the most joyous annual pilgrimages in Axum. The day also marks the destruction of Dagon by the power of the Ark of God, as recorded in the Bible; and the return of the Ark to Israel after seven months of exile at the Dagon’s house in Philistine. (1 Samuel 4; 6)
The history of the Hidar Axum Tsion Mariam (November St. Mary of Zion) Festival, as documents state, has an origin of the Old Testament and directly associated with the coming of the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia, and the presence of the Covenant in Axum Town at the church of St. Mary of Zion.
In fact, the annual anniversary of Hidar Mariam is celebrated among followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church all over the country warmly and colorfully. However, the festival in Axum Town, Tigray State, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept, is celebrated uniquely and magnificently with especial dedication.Last Wednesday, November 30, 2022, the fiesta of Saint Mary Zion was celebrated in Axum Town peacefully and colorfully in the presence of large congregation.
In truth, during the past year, the faithful were not able to celebrate the day as usual due to security matters. However, this year the faithful have celebrated the event colorfully following the peace agreement reached between the Government of Ethiopia and TPLF.
According to participants of the festival, because of the peace and stability which prevails in the State following the peace agreement, they have celebrated the annual feast splendidly in the attendance of many pilgrims from different areas; in a manner maintaining its religious value.
Speaking to local media the participants said that this year’s celebration is observed more colorfully unlike the preceding year for known reason. Expressing their happiness for celebrating the day peacefully, they expressed their hope to celebrate the festival in more splendid way in the future by ensuring lasting peace.
As it was indicated by participants, Zion Mary`s festival was celebrated peacefully without any security threats. They are also seen while reflecting their joy to the local TV station that every minute was peaceful and, they have marked the day happily with fellow Christians. The peace agreement between the government and the TPLF is the reason behind such peaceful environment. As they stated, with the exception of electric and banking service challenges, the peace and security issues are resolved. The peace agreement signed between the two parties should be realized wholly and accordingly to sustain lasting peace.
Subsequent to the peaceful conclusion of the festival, the Federal Police also extended its gratitude to residents of Axum, and the surrounding community for the contribution they made to the peaceful celebration of the annual feast day of Axum Mariam Tsion.
Axum and Adwa Sector Head of the Ethiopian Federal Police Commander, Getnet Kebede told local media that the police had held discussions with religious fathers and elders on ways of conducting the annual feast of St. Mary of Axum Tsion unworriedly.
Accordingly, the Federal Government and the community in the town have worked together for the peaceful conduct of the religious feast. Besides the security forces, religious fathers, elders and the youth have exerted utmost efforts to celebrate the Axum Saint Mary Zion’s feast peacefully, Commander Getnet added.
As a result, the faithful have celebrated the annual anniversary peacefully starting from early in the morning, according to the commander. The commander has extended appreciation to residents of Axum and its environs for their contribution to the peaceful conduct of the feast. The Church of St Mary of Zion was built during the reign of Ezana, King of Axum, in the 4th century AD.
The origin of the Ark goes back to Moses at Sinai. After the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, God gave them the tablet of the Ten Commandments (Tabote Tsion) through Mosses in the mount of Sanai so they use it as a sacred instrument to worship God. The Ark was carried by the Israelites during their 40 years of journey to the land of hope. Whenever they camped, the Ark was placed in a special and sacred tent called the Tabernacle
As studies revealed, the Ark of the Covenant described as the original container for the Ten Commandments and the central symbol of God’s presence with the people of Israel is kept at St. Mary Church of Axum Zion in Axum Town.
Owing to this, every year, on 21 Hidar in the Ethiopian calendar or 30 November, more than 100,000 people come to Axum from all over Ethiopia to commemorate the founding of this church, with many pilgrims coming on foot, having walked for up to a month. There is a marvelous atmosphere in the town, and great spectacles for the visitor with processions of the clergy and deacons, with drumming, dancing and chanting.
The Ethiopian Herald December 2/2022
