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An Ethiopian Epiphany

by matthew robinson (United Kingdom)

Ethiopia

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Timket, or epiphany, is the most important event of the Ethiopian orthodox calendar. The focal point of festivities is the tabot (a replica of the ark of the covenant), seen here being escorted through the city's streets.
Timket, or epiphany, is the most important event of the Ethiopian orthodox calendar. The focal point of festivities is the tabot (a replica of the ark of the covenant), seen here being escorted through the city's streets.
The destination for the tabot is here, Fasiladas Bath. The walled church dates back to the 17th century and many spend the night here, reading scripture by candlelight before the main event the next morning.
The destination for the tabot is here, Fasiladas Bath. The walled church dates back to the 17th century and many spend the night here, reading scripture by candlelight before the main event the next morning.
As dawn approaches, more worshippers hurry through the church walls to witness the ceremony, all dressed in their finest clothes. Many women wear a permanent mark of their orthodox faith on their forehead.
As dawn approaches, more worshippers hurry through the church walls to witness the ceremony, all dressed in their finest clothes. Many women wear a permanent mark of their orthodox faith on their forehead.
By the time the sun rises, thousands have gathered to hear the priests but many must settle for a place outside the walls of the main church arena. The spectacle is not lost on this senior priest who documents the experience on his smartphone.
By the time the sun rises, thousands have gathered to hear the priests but many must settle for a place outside the walls of the main church arena. The spectacle is not lost on this senior priest who documents the experience on his smartphone.
Once the water is blessed, the atmosphere is completely inverted! What was a quiet, thoughtful ceremony becomes an exuberant watery celebration as many young (mostly) men jump into the water to renew their baptism vows
Once the water is blessed, the atmosphere is completely inverted! What was a quiet, thoughtful ceremony becomes an exuberant watery celebration as many young (mostly) men jump into the water to renew their baptism vows

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