Worship In the Ethiopian Orthodox - Virgin Mary Ethiopian Orthodox ...

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Fasting is strictly observed by all faithful members of the church. There are approximately 250 fast days in the year
although not all of these are compulsory for everyone. The average person may fast about 180 days in the year. There are
seven official fasting periods for Ethiopian Christians.
1. All Wednesday and Fridays, except for the 50 days after Easter.
2. The Lenten fast of 55 days.
3. The Nineveh fast of 3 days.
4. The vigils, or gahad of Christmas and epiphany.
5. The fast of the apostles; this varies in length, depending upon the date of Easter, and maybe a minimum of 14 days and
maximum of 44. This fast commemorates St. peter and St. Paul.
6. The fast of the prophets of 43 days.
7. The fast of the assumption, 15 days in august.
of these fasts, the fast of the apostles and the fast of the prophets are compulsory for clergy only, although they are also
observed by many of the faithful. All the other fasts are considered obligatory for all devout Christians, except children
under seven. During fasting periods, Christians abstain from meat and all animal products: meat, milk, butter and eggs. No
food or drink is taken before noon, at the earliest: even then only a simple repast should be taken. Pregnant women, the
seriously sick and travelers are exempted from fasting. In Holy Week no food is taken before 1 p.m. or later The really
devout fast completely from Good Friday till Easter Sunday, while others eat only the evening meal on these days.
The Lenten fast is traditionally broken by a joyful feast that takes place after midnight mass, at about 3 a.m., or the first
cock- crow or Easter Sunday morn.
7. Holidays or feasts
Nine major and nine minor holy days are observed in the church of Ethiopia. All are connected with events in the life of
Christ.
MAJOR HOLY DAYS MINOR HOLY DAYS
1. The Incarnation 1. Sebkat (first Sunday in advent)
2. The Birth of Christ 2. Berhan (second Sunday in advent)
3. Epiphany 3. Nolawi (third Sunday in advent)
4. Hosanna (palm Sunday) 4. Christmas Eve
5.Crucifixion 5. Gizret (Circumcision)
6. Easter 6. Birth of Simon
7. Debra Tabor ( feast of mount tabor, 7. Debra Zeit (Feast of the Mount of Olives)
the transfiguration)
8. The Ascension 8. Kana Zegalila (The Miracle of Kana)
9. Pentecost 9. Maskal (The Invention of the True Cross)
Other feast days include one for each of the twelve Apostles. The martyrs, St. George, St. Stephen and St. John the
Baptist are also commemorated. Other important holy days are those in commemoration of St. Michael and St. Mary and
of the grate religious reformer, the Emperor Zar'a Ya'iqob. No less than thirty-three holy days are devoted to St. Mary
An indication of the special veneration attached to the Blessed Virgin in Ethiopia. A feature of feast days in the Ethiopian
Church is that many of them are commemorated monthly and not only annually. As in the rest of the Christian world
Sunday is observed as a day of rest. In former times Saturday, the Biblical Sabbath, was also observed. On holy days
believers are expected to refrain form heavy labor and manual tasks, such as farming, forging metal and weaving. Various
transactions are permitted, however. On these days ot os customary to carry out charitable and philanthropic acts, to visit
the sick or those in prison and to arrange reconciliation between those who have quarreled. Sundays and other holy days
are also occasions of social events, weddings, dancing and sport.
Sources
Written by Professor Sergew Hable Sellassie and Professor Tadesse Tamerat
"THE CHURCH OF ETHIOPIA A PANORAMA OF HISTORY AND SPIRITUAL LIFE"
Addis Ababa -December 1970. A publication of the EOTC