Tekle Belachew, an Evangelical leader in Ethiopia and a participant in the Lausanne-Orthodox Initiative offers his observations on last month’s Temqat festival within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
“On January 19, 2016 (Terr 11, 2008 in Ethiopian calendar), Temqat (Timket) Epiphany celebrated in Ethiopia publicly by the riverbank or pond. “Temqat in Gondar” is particularly colorful both in the parishes, roads and in the palace pool of Fasiledes (built in the 17th century). Along the Ethiopian Orthodox Church the Catholics also celebrate Temqat. The white traditional clothing with colorful decorations, the flag, and different beautiful crosses made of different materials – gold, wood or bullet shell – contributes to the attractiveness of the celebration.
“Temqat is one of the major nine annual and ancient Christian feasts in Ethiopia. It is a public celebration like Mesqel – the finding of the true cross. The eve of Temqat (Gahad) which is the day of fasting, preparation and solemn procession of the clergy with tabots and the jubilation of the laity commemoration of the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:14 and John 2:12).
“Temqat or astereeyo – is a glorious manifestation. The voice of the Father from heaven and through the clouds, the appearance of the Holy Spirit in the form of the dove attested to the reality of the Holy Trinity, the Divinity of Christ, His humility and the genesis of His heavenly ministry on earth.
“Among all men the more handsome Jesus was revealed.” (Degwwa – the Degwwa (Degua) is one of the major poetic-liturgical treatises of St. Yared – ). Yared also said “… the water has been blessed by his baptism.” The Degwwa of Epiphany says, “Jesus went to Jordan from Galilee so that John would baptize him at that river. Heavenly God has been baptized by the earthly hands.” Both the sermons preached, the publications distributed and the hymns sung all pointed out the mystery of the baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the river Jordan is for the salvation and flourishing of humanity.
“On the morrow (the day after Temqat) there is another celebration, the commemoration of the miracle of Canna of Galilee where the Lord miraculously changed the water into wine. Besides the religious significance, Temqat has cultural manifestation with singing and dancing. In some places, the Temqat festival has been an opportunity for courtship where one proposes by giving out lemon.
“For a comprehensive documentary on Temqat celebration in Gondar, see CNN / Inside Africa Report … the reporter said Temqat is “a colorful celebration, a religious festival, like no other.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY4btlmDEMI”
(Quotations are from the publication prepared and freely distributed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church on the day of Temqat/Epiphany. We Believe in One Baptism. Tinsae Zegoubae Printing Press: Addis Ababa, January 2016.)