Ethiopian Orthodox Easter: A Reflection on Sacrifice, Legacy, & journey in Christ
The spiritual preparation for Fasika begins with Hudade Tsom, the Great Fast, a 55-day (approximately eight weeks) period of abstinence undertaken in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, His victory over temptation, and His triumphant resurrection. This fast typically begins on the Monday following Debre Zeyt (the Feast of Mount Tabor) and concludes on the Saturday before Easter. Hudade, meaning "great fast," signifies a time dedicated to spiritual growth and introspection. During this extended period, adherents, generally children above eight and all adult members, abstain from all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. This discipline mirrors Christ’s 40 days and nights of fasting in the wilderness, with an additional period dedicated to prayer and spiritual discipline. The fasting rules are detailed in the Fetha Negest, a legal code that has historically influenced Ethiopian Orthodox practices.
This tradition finds its roots in the profound contributions of St. Yared, an esteemed Ethiopian scholar of the 6th century who enriched the church with hymns, melodies, and liturgical readings in the Ge'ez language. His Somme-Digua intricately assigns unique names and spiritual significance to each Sunday of Lent, each marked by distinctive hymns and lessons. The first Sunday of the Great Fast is known as "Zewerede" (the one who descended), and the eighth Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week.
Holy Week (Semune Himamat): A Journey Through Remembrance
The week preceding Easter Sunday, which falls on Sunday, commences with Hosanna (Palm Sunday). this day commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcomed him by waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David!" This day marks the beginning of Holy Week, and even now, you might see the faithful in Addis Ababa carrying palm leaves, often fashioned into headbands and rings as tangible reminders of this event.
Holy Monday, the focus shifts to events such as Jesus cursing the fig tree (symbolizing barrenness) and cleansing the Temple in Jerusalem from merchants and money changers, restoring its sanctity as a house of prayer. It's a day for reflection on true worship and the rejection of hypocrisy.
As the week progresses, Holy Tuesday, known as the "Day of Questioning," will remember the challenges and interrogations Jesus faced from the Jewish religious leaders regarding his authority and teachings. Parables Jesus told on this day, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Parable of the Talents, will be reflected upon in churches across the city.
Holy Wednesday, though coinciding with what is Easter Sunday in the Gregorian calendar this year, in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, this day commemorates the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, who agreed to hand him over to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver. This day serves as a poignant reminder of human fallibility and the consequences of betrayal.
Tselote Hamus (Holy Thursday), will center on the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. Key events remembered will include Jesus washing the feet of his disciples as an act of humility and service, and the institution of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion). Here in Addis Ababa, you might witness foot-washing ceremonies performed by bishops and priests, and special bread will be prepared in remembrance of the Last Supper.
Arbi Siklet (Good Friday), will be the most solemn day of Holy Week, commemorating the crucifixion, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Faithful will observe a strict fast and spend the day in prayer and deep reflection on Christ's sacrifice. The profound practice of segdet (repeated bowing and kneeling) will be particularly significant on this day as a way to share in the pain of Jesus and seek forgiveness.
Finally, Qidane Meheret (Holy Saturday or Easter Eve), will mark a transition from the sorrow of Good Friday to the joy of Easter Sunday. It will be a day of anticipation, marked by a long vigil service in churches that extends through the night. The service will include chanting (kidasse) and gospel readings (shebsheba). While somber at the beginning, the atmosphere will gradually shift to one of expectancy for the Resurrection. The symbolic slaughtering of a chicken often occurs at midnight, signifying the end of the fasting period and the victory over death.
Easter Sunday: Sharing the Joy of Resurrection
Easter Sunday dawns with the symbolic slaughtering of a sheep in some regions, a final marker of the end of the Lenten fast. The day is dedicated to quiet reflection, heartfelt prayer, and the sharing of abundant meals with loved ones, friends, and even welcoming strangers. Younger generations within families make their way to the homes of elders, offering heartfelt wishes of Melkam Fasika (Happy Easter), reinforcing the strong bonds of unity and community that lie at the heart of this celebration. Church services on Easter Sunday are filled with joyful hymns and prayers.
This Easter, as we navigate both inner and outer transformations as humanity, I urge you to transcend the conventional symbols of commercial celebration. Instead, reflect on the profound sacrifice of Christ and His timeless teachings of love, humility, and self-discipline—virtues that have been intricately woven into the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition for centuries. To be human, created in God's image, is not only a divine gift but also an immense honor, blessing, and responsibility.
As Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, we are stewards of a sacred heritage passed down by our forefathers—a life rooted in Christ's example and devoted to spiritual purpose and wisdom. This profound way of life spans generations, manifesting in practices that enrich both spirit and society. Through 270 days of vegan Lent and fasting inspired by Jesus’ journey, through kiddase meditation and the art of quieting our minds in love, through the transcendent melodies of St. Yared’s chants and our profound appreciation of nature, human innovation, and mysticism, we embody the essence of Christ's teachings. Our historical tradition includes carrying our tabots—replicas of the Ark of the Covenant—into battle, contributing to Ethiopia's resilience as the only uncolonized nation in Africa. These unique facets of our identity define us, no matter where we are in the world.
Orthodox Christians have spread across continents, establishing churches and communities, transcending barriers of profession and geography. Even amid complex family dynamics, we aspire to represent Christ's way of life, offering grace and wisdom wherever we go. My personal journey—exploring global religions and visiting temples, mosques, synagogues, monasteries, and other sanctuaries of devotion—has only deepened my Ethiopian Orthodox Christian faith. Sharing meals and conversations with people of various beliefs has revealed the universal yearning for transcendence and connection, yet my gratitude lies in how Christ's teachings have made me an ambassador, a missionary, and a living testament to His love.
This calling demands mindfulness: care for the mind, body, spirit, emotions, energy, and nature, as well as advocacy for the vulnerable. By surrendering to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice—the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for the salvation of humankind—we embrace a spiritual purpose that transforms every aspect of life. Yet, this path is not without its trials. Betrayal, deception, and challenges arise—from parents, partners, family, friends, community, society, and even our own human frailty. Judas’ betrayal with a kiss serves as a poignant reminder that life's burdens are intertwined with its blessings.
To live in Christian faith is not to retreat into comfort or conformity. It is a transformative journey of confronting fears, challenging norms, breaking barriers, praying for divine insight, and moving forward with grace—even when faced with pain and disappointment. It is a call to detach from vengeance, embrace growth, and surrender hurt in favor of Christ's healing love, forgiving yourself. As we strive to be better, let us remember that "we know not what we do" and carry this understanding as we embody the example of Christ.
May you stay blessed, at ease, know you are loved, you are worth, and be still as it is Gods grace.
Melkam Fasika! (Happy Easter!)
By Dutchess @Deldeyoch
🙏🏽
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