Ethiopia: Orthodox Christians celebrate epiphany

By Addis Getachew

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) – Followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church on Monday celebrated Epiphany (Timket) that symbolizes the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan.

The Ethiopian Epiphany celebration was registered by UNESCO as Intangible World Heritage last year.

Ethiopian Orthodox Church Patriarch Abune Mathias said in a benediction that the celebration was a reminder for the need for peace, compassion and love.

Epiphany is a two-day celebration in Ethiopia as on the eve Holy Tablets (Tabots) are carried out from churches to pitch overnight at tents.

On the Day of Epiphany, holy water is sprinkled on the laity by the clergy and the Holy Tablets are returned to their respective churches with crowds singing spiritual songs.

Also, unmarried people go out in their best clothes and look for future spouses.

Raw meat, honey wine, hot chicken stew called ‘doro wot’ and homemade bread are traditional treats.