Ethiopian Timket Celebration (Epiphany)

Its that time of year to celebrate the Ethiopian epipiphany, Timket, where all the tabots (the replica of the Ark of covenant) from all over the country come out of their churches. “Timket” is a Ge’ez word meaning “immersion in water” similar to the Baptism of Jesus Christ

Ethiopian epiphany is a colourful festival celebrated all over Ethiopia to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The commemoration starts on the eve of the main festival on 18 January. The eve is known as Ketera. Epiphany" comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, which means "appearance" or "manifestation"

Having gone on a pilgrimage to the River Jordan in Israel, & immersed myself in the river to renew my baptism, seek to serve & guidance in a crossroad in my life, I must say Timkets ceremony is one of preservation, prayer, meditation, chanting, & gospel by Ethiopian Orthodox Christian church followers. It renews ones trust, faith, purpose, & hope. Most followers fast the whole day to celebrate the colorful ceremony, chant, festivity & joy of the transportation of the tabot from its church to a designated area in the community overnight (near a stream, river, lake or pool).

The opening of heaven right after Jesus was baptized indicates that we have been redeemed from Adam’s sin that led to the closure of the heavens through faith in LORD Jesus Christ and baptism. This reveals the spiritual value of Epiphany as an opener of the heavens (Galatians 3:27). As a follower & devotee we use these few days for purification of our heart, insights, revelation,  manifestation, & seeking awareness. 

Most followers dress in the traditional white clothes, especially at Jal Meda & Gonder, overwhelming ones Spirit, mind, body & energy in high vibration & joy.

The Divine Liturgy (Kidase) starts early in the morning before the waters are blessed by the Patriarch, Archbishops and Priests. Afterwards, the waters are blessed in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit before people are baptized. The Christians at that very moment wait passionately living in the memory of the baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ remembering that moment thousands of years ago. As the water is sprinkled, the crowd begins to yearn for the drop of a holy water on the air before falling on to them.

After the tabots stay the night & before they return, early morning the next day, we hear chants, prayers, meditation & gospel music is performed, to be followed by the blessing of the holy water(tsebel). One can immersing oneself in the pool/stream/water renewing ones baptism vows. The holy water replenishing your mind, body & soul to awaken & face the coming year with renewal, balance & alignment. All is required is to be present, in the moment & let your being feel the intense joy of the believer's & the power of the tabot. Whether we are part of the celebration all over Ethiopia, or other parts of the world, or in our homes in solitude.

May this Timket Celebration renew your heart, & know you are worthy, & made in the image of God. May you awaken to the magic of being human, & that you can overcome anything in stillness. May you know how to align with Gods love,  to bless you with peace, joy, awareness, insight & hope within. Knowing 'This too shall pass.'.

I pray we are all sharp, alert, loving & vigilant to know how wonderful we are, just being our authentic, connected & grounded in our humanity. Rise up, wash away your past, learn your lessons, & trust that forgiveness, compassion, love, faith & gratitude in the present moment is your salvation. May you overcome the shadows, anger, fear, & deciet that resides within you as sinners to be washed over by Jesus love, light, forgiveness, & joy in equilibrium.

You are love, loved, loving & lovable 💜.


Melkam Timket!!
Dutchess@deldeyoch