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rattling sistrum and flaying prayer sticks, encompass all the ta'bots that gathered from their respective areas. They continue the mahilet (ceremonial Ethiopian hymns, fit for the respective feast or fast day, that were composed by the 6th Century Ethiopian SaintYared) as the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church or an archbishop makes provisions for the blessing of the water.

In Addis Abeba, for instance, the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, surrounded by local diocene archbishops, bishops, priests and distinguished guests along with hundreds-of-thousands of the faithful gather in Jan Meda. Jan Meda or Jan Hoy Meda is an area of Addis Abeba, near to Siddist-Kilo, where the members of the Ethiopian royal family used to attend horseracing. It could be called the Hippodrome of Addis Abeba. There, a fount is placed and the Patriarch and the Metropolitan of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church place large processional crosses over-and-in the water, reciting certain prayers and the Trisagion hymn.

"Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Living-Immortal, Who was Born from the Virgin Mary, Have Mercy Upon Us Lord" is proclaimed with a loud voice and blurred sound in Ge'ez. As the Patriarch and his ecclesiastical partner continue to pray, the crowd quiets, except for the babies who involuntarily challenge the microphone with their cries. The Epistles, Acts of the Apostles and the appropriate Gospel are then read. After the final blessing of the water, the Patriarch scoops a bucket, full of the blessed water out of the fountain; while this commences, the crowd bawls with deafening victory cries, "I-lil-lil-lil-lil-li!" The cry goes on and on, while the congregants rush to get showered by the holy water.

In Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, holy water is highly revered as a cure and preventative for diseasespiritual and physical. Throughout the year, especially on Timqet, baptismal vows are renewed by individuals. It is not a re-baptism, but the faithful believe that their lives will be renewed by participating in the Timqet ceremonies. Those who suffer from different diseases or ailments attend the rituals in full faith, expecting a miraclethat, is not impossible.

In a peculiar country, with an ancient church and rich culture, the Ethiopian celebration of Epiphany is not only a holiday based on tradition, but a true manifestation of faith and devotion. Based on one's hope or even that of an inspired spectator, he or she may have an epiphany that may lead to a fragrant, vivid, solemn and blessed lifein this world and the world to come.

Learn more about this author, Peter Harpaul.
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