Ethiopian Orthodox Christians marking Timket

Addis Ababa, January 20, 2016 (FBC) – Ethiopian Orthodox Christians across the country are celebrating Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany) today.

Here in Addis Ababa, it is being observed in the presence of guests, faithful and tourists, including Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Timket falls on every January 19th (January 20 during leap year). It celebrates the Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist.

Timket is a two-day festival, starting the day before, when the Tabot is taken from the church to a nearby location, usually near a body of water. This is representative of Jesus coming to the River Jordan.

The Tabot spends the night in this location while the priests and other faithful hold a religious ritual through the night.

In the morning, the water is blessed and is then sprinkled on the gatherers, renewing their baptismal vows.

Accompanied by the singing and dancing of priests and locals with their colorful dress, the Tabot will be returned back home to the church.