Ethiopian Orthodox To Celebrate Christmas
Ethiopian Christmas
Ethiopian Christmas (Genna) is celebrated on 7th of January every year, instead of the typical December 25th, which is celebrated by Christians all over the world. This is due to the fact that Ethiopians use a four millennia old Calendar known as the Coptic or Ge’ez Calendar. Ethiopia has preserved numerous festivals, cultures, dates and beliefs from being influenced by external powers/invaders.
Ethiopian Christmas or Genna holds a major significance within the Christian community for it is the day they received their saviour Lord Jesus Christ. Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church marks this day as one of the holiest of its festivals after Easter. There is a 43 days period of fasting and prayer before the Festival.
On the eve of Genna, which is the 6th, a midnight mass is gathered in churches all over the country. People give thanks to their saviour Jesus Christ and most of all rejoice and celebrate his birth.
The atmosphere within the churches and the sentiment of people holding traditional candles (made out of wax) combined with the sounds of hymns and Ethiopian Orthodox Mezmur are so harmonious and delightful. A three hour-long sermon consisting of prayer, reciting and singing concludes before breaking the fast.
The most exuberant and spectacular assemblage of all Christmas church celebrations is known to be in the rock hewn church of Lalibela. It
is located in the Northern Highlands of Ethiopia a Province called
Wollo. People living in towns and cities celebrate this delightful
holiday in almost the same manner as the villagers. However due to
modernization and media exposure people in cities are obliged to put on
x-mass trees covered with shiny decorations. Women prepare delicacies;
men drink (home brews) and enjoy the holiday while children show off
their new clothes.There is a traditional game played amongst boys/shepherds, which is no longer practiced in cities. “Yegena Chewata” it called after the festival itself. The game is similar to hockey, but different in its own way. It is played with a wooden stick shaped like golf club and a small ball. Women gather around and sing metaphorical songs while watching boys play. As people continue feasting with loved ones, well-wishers drop in at any time of the day. Genna is a day of sharing good wishes, songs, good food, drinks and entertainment.
Source: EthiopianCalendar.net
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A spokesperson said, “Christmas is a major holy day in Ethiopia, where more than half of the population is Orthodox Christian. The celebration occurs on January 7th preceded by a fast of 40 days.
“Lidet or Genna is the Ethiopian name for Christmas and is marked by special ceremonies. The difference of date is due to the use of the Julian calendar which is based on the year of Grace 7 or 8 years after Anno Domini [the year of Our Lord].
“The calendar in use in the west is the Gregorian calendar under which Christmas is observed on December 25th.
“Here in Bermuda we celebrate in the tradition of the ancient Ethiopian Church. Our divine liturgical service begins at 9:30pm sharp on Christmas Eve with scripture readings and special prayers. The church is specially decorated with Christmas flowers and other festive decorations.
“This is the time that the clergy wear their best vestments and the service begins with the procession of the Ark which is held on the deacon’s head and is covered with elaborate cloths. This procession involves the clergy going around the church three times before the Ark is placed back on the altar.
“Christmas is a full service which means that there will be communion towards the end following the Preparatory service and the Anaphora. The service is based on the Christmas story and lasts for 2-3 hours.
A slideshow of the intricate icons at Bermuda’s Ethiopian Orthodox Church
“At the end of service attendees greet each other, exchange Christmas salutations and everyone then gathers at the hall for an elaborate feast with lots of food, drink, music and celebration until the sunrise.
“The period after Christmas until Epiphany [January 19th] is a time for members to visit one another.
“All visitors are welcome to come and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ [Eyesus Christos] in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.
“We invite you to join us for our Lidet Christmas Service on Monday 6th 2014 at 9:30pm followed by our Traditional Christmas Feast after service. Merry Christmas.”
The Church is located on 16 Old Military Road, St. Georges.
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