Sacred Journey: Arks' Journey to Baptismal Sites During Ethiopia’s Nativity Celebrations
Sacred Journey: Arks' Journey to Baptismal Sites During Ethiopia’s Nativity Celebrations
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo followers are marking the Epiphany in Addis Ababa and across the country with a series of deeply rooted religious and spiritual ceremonies.
This festival follows a profound two-day tradition:
On Tir 10 (January 18), the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany:
The sacred Arks are carried out of churches and travel in solemn procession to a baptismal site accompanied by hymns, prayers, and large gatherings of worshipers. The Arks remain there overnight as believers keep vigil in prayer and worship.
On the morning of Tir 11, during the Feast of the Epiphany:
Priests perform the blessing of the water. The sanctified water is then sprinkled on worshipers, symbolizing and commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River.
Footage by a Sputnik Africa correspondent
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