Timkat festival can be celebrated in a beautiful and bright manner while maintaining its religious value. Timket is a tourist destination that attracts foreign visitors to our city and is a UNESCO-registered highlight of our country, so everyone should do their part to celebrate it peacefully. As the festival is one of peace and love, I invite you to celebrate it with peace, respect and support.
Mayor Adanech Abiebe
During the ceremony, prayers are offered, and the Tabot is blessed with holy water. Many participants immerse themselves in the water, seeking spiritual renewal and purification. The atmosphere is one of reverence and jubilation, as individuals express their faith and devotion through this symbolic act.
As night falls, the processions return to the church, with the Tabots carefully escorted back to their respective houses of worship. The festivities continue throughout the day and night, with feasting, dancing, and merriment that embody the spirit of communal celebration.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Commemorates Baptism of Jesus in Joyous Timkat, is a vibrant and significant religious festival celebrated by Ethiopians, predominantly followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. This annual event commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan and is considered one of the most important religious observances in Ethiopia.
Central to the celebration is the Tabot, a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, which represents the presence of God. The Tabot is carefully carried by priests or deacons under colorful umbrellas, accompanied by joyful singing, dancing, and the enchanting sounds of traditional Ethiopian music.
Happy Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ we will not forget the humility of Jesus Christ as we celebrate. Let us all work and pray for the lasting peace of our country. We should not spend the holidays in silence with food and drink. Just as we become a new creation through baptism, we must free our minds from hatred. Let us hate war and remember each other.
Abba Daniel Haso (PhD) Head of the Education Department of the Ethiopian Catholic Church
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 21 JANUARY 2024
