The Ethiopian Catholic Church is a vibrant and ancient Christian community with a rich cultural heritage. One of the most significant and widely celebrated events within the Ethiopian Catholic Church is Timket. Timket, also known as the Feast of Epiphany, holds great importance for Ethiopian Catholics as it commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. In this article, we will explore the significance of Timket and how it is celebrated within the Ethiopian Catholic Church.
The Ethiopian Catholic Church traces its roots back to the early days of Christianity and has a unique blend of Jewish, African, and Christian traditions. Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia in the 4th century, making it one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. The Ethiopian Catholic Church emerged following the union with the Roman Catholic Church in the 19th century. Today, it is an integral part of the religious and cultural fabric of Ethiopia.
Religious father Daniel Haso (PhD) was born in the Western Arsi near Shashamane town. Currently he is the Head of the Education Department of the Ethiopian Catholic Church. In an interview with him, EPA discussed a lot of issues regarding the celebration of Ethiopian Timket festivities Experts.
Could you brief us about your education and work?
Father Daniel: After studying philosophy and theology in the country, I was ordained a priest in 2005. I worked as a Catholic priest in charge in Ambo, Jimma, Kafa and Naqamt. Later I was sent to the United States, Chicago for my studies and did my master’s and ‘PhD’ in educational leadership and management. I finished my studies and came back and worked in various places. Currently, I am the Head of the Education Department of the Ethiopian Catholic Church.
How long have you served in the Catholic Church?
Father Daniel: I served in the church for about 30 years. While in Chicago I also ministered to Catholic Ethiopians. I also consecrated and various services in Dallas, Texas, Minesota, Atlanta, Georgia, Washington, DC, Maryland, and New York.
Can you explain the significance of Timket, the Ethiopian celebration of epiphany, in the Catholic faith?
Father Daniel: Certainly! Timket, the Ethiopian celebration of Epiphany, holds great significance in the Catholic faith in Ethiopia. First we are Commemorating the Baptism of Jesus. Timket primarily commemorates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. It is seen as a pivotal event in the life of Jesus and signifies the beginning of his public ministry. The Ethiopian Catholic Church considers this event as a manifestation of Jesus’ divinity to the world.
Timket is an occasion for Ethiopian Catholics to renew their baptismal vows and reaffirm their commitment to their Christian faith. It serves as a time of personal reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. The faithful are encouraged to seek forgiveness, reconcile with others, and deepen their relationship with God.
Timket is also associated with the celebration of the Holy Trinity in the Ethiopian Catholic Church. It is believed that during Jesus’ baptism, all three persons of the Holy Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—were present and revealed themselves. This aspect of the celebration highlights the foundational belief in the Triune nature of God.
It also shows the Symbolism of Water, Water holds significant symbolism during Timket. It represents purification, cleansing, and the washing away of sins. Ethiopian Catholics participate in a re-enactment of the baptismal ritual by immersing themselves in water or sprinkling it on themselves, reminiscent of Jesus’ baptism. This act symbolizes their desire for spiritual purification and the washing away of sins.
How does the Ethiopian Catholic Church celebrate Baptism today, and have we been told about the mystery of Baptism?
Father Daniel: First of all, we need to look at the meaning of Baptism. In our church, Baptism is a great mystery. The mystery is related to salvation. After God created human beings (Adam and Eve placed them in paradise) they committed crimes and were expelled from paradise.
After their expulsion, their sin or spread reached all mankind. Sin is cancelled only through the mystery of Baptism. Our Lord Jesus Christ also went down to the Jordan River to be baptized. This does not mean that the Lord Jesus is a sinner for Christians. When we look at the mystery of Baptism, water itself cleanses the inside of the impurities. We clean our bodies with it and wash our clothes with it. It also means that it cleanses us from the spirit that is defiled by sin. So according to our belief, man cannot enter the kingdom of God unless he is baptized.
What is the main message of Baptism and how is it explained?
Father Daniel: Basically, when we talk about baptism, it is spiritually the way we are cleansed from the stain of sin. For example, we like it when we wash our bodies. We feel special. And the spiritual mystery of Baptism is true that just as our souls are washed away, our inner identity is cleansed of our sins through the mystery of baptism. There is no sin that escapes this baptism. It means that any sin is forgiven. That is why our souls become like new-born babies.
How does the Catholic Church recognize the languages, traditions and cultures of nations? For example, in terms of making the community worship in its own language
Father Daniel: The Catholic Church has a word called ‘enculturation’ enculturation means that when the church enters any culture, it looks at the culture. We also work on everything from language to how the congregation gets involved. Priests and bishops who go there learn the language of the people first. They learn and preach and sanctify by it. Translation work is also conducted. Mass, hymns and teachings are conducted in the languages of each of the nation’s nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia. Even for Ambassadors of various countries and international communities we provide services in various languages.
How does the Ethiopian Catholic Church promote peace and understanding among different ethnic and religious groups during Timket festivities?
Father Daniel: The Ethiopian Catholic Church plays a significant role in promoting peace and understanding among different ethnic and religious groups during the Timket and contributes to fostering harmony. The Timket celebrations are open to people from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliations. All individuals, regardless of their faith, are welcome to observe and participate in the festivities. This inclusive approach helps to bridge divisions and promote unity among different groups.
The Ethiopian Catholic Church actively engages in interfaith dialogue and collaboration with other religious communities during the Timket celebrations. This dialogue serves as a platform for individuals from different faith traditions to come together, share their beliefs, and cultivate mutual understanding and respect.
The Timket festivities provide an opportunity for the Ethiopian Catholic Church to emphasize and highlight the shared values of peace, love, and compassion that are central to their faith. By focusing on these common principles, the Church encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to recognize their shared humanity and work towards peaceful coexistence.
During Timket, the Ethiopian Catholic Church often organizes community outreach programs that aim to address social issues, alleviate poverty, and provide assistance to those in need. These initiatives are often carried out in collaboration with other faith-based organizations and community groups, fostering cooperation and understanding among different religious and ethnic communities.
No evil should be done in a place of worship. Harsh words should never be heard. According to the Catholic system, no priest or pope mentions or says anything about another religion. The gospel says nothing else. There are followers of different religions in our school. We don’t ask for religion. We only welcome Ethiopian children. It is never permissible to display hateful signs in preaching or in schools. Currently, we are exposed to various problems as a country and ethical education should be given properly. Parents should also monitor and raise their children properly.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 20 JANUARY 2024
