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What are the beliefs of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?
Like all Christians, Orthodox Ethiopians believe in the Holy Trinity (səllasé) of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They also observe typical Orthodox rituals and practices – the Feast of Epiphany (Timkat) and the Eucharist being the most important celebration and ceremonies.
How did the Ethiopian pilgrims celebrate Christmas?
Ethiopian Christmas in Lalibela is one of the most memorable experiences anywhere in Africa. Thousands of pilgrims, draped in white gowns, gather around the 13th century rock-hewn churches for an evening of celebration, reflection, and reverence.
How many days do Ethiopian Orthodox fast?
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has 250 fasting days, 180 of which are obligatory for laypeople, not just monks and priests.
Why do we fast Filseta?
Filseta fasting is in commemoration of the saint mary’s exile. This fasting period extends for 16 days.
What is unique about the Ethiopian church?
The Ethiopian Church places a heavier emphasis on Old Testament teachings than one might find in Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic or Protestant churches, and its followers adhere to certain practices that one finds in Orthodox or Conservative Judaism.
What are the Christmas traditions in Ethiopia?
Ethiopians will celebrate Christmas by strewing grass decoratively across the floor of their houses, traditional Ethiopian food will be served that includes injera (a traditional Ethiopian round, spongy, a flatbread made with the grain, teff) with w’et, a stew that is often made with a popular red spice called berbere …
What is Ethiopian Christmas called?
Ganna
Christmas in Ethiopia is called Ganna (or Genna) and is celebrated on January 7th.
How do Ethiopian fast?
Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity instructs its followers to fast during the lent, traditionally known as “Hudade Tsom”, by avoiding all animal source foods and skipping breakfast at minimum up to 12:00 PM or until 15:00 PM as far as possible for duration of 55 days17.
Why do Orthodox Christians fast on Wed and Fri?
Throughout the entire Christian year, many Christians keep the Black Fast on Wednesdays (in memory of Jesus’ betrayal) and on Fridays (to mourn the crucifixion of Jesus).
Why do we fast 15 days for St Mary?
The other Apostles having not witnessed this personally decided to pray and fast for 15 days in order for God to reveal the place where Saint Mary’s body had been buried. After their fast the Angel of God brought her body to the Apostles allowing them to bury her on a Sunday.
Why do Ethiopian Orthodox fast?
For Ethiopians, religion and fasting inhabits a realm of faith and spirituality which many in the West can’t fathom nowadays. “Official theology teaches fasting is needed to come closer to God by repressing the flesh,” says Makonnen, an Orthodox Church deacon.