Holy Services

Divine Liturgy

The Kidase is the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church's Divine Liturgy, analogous to the Mass in Catholicism or the Divine Liturgy in Eastern Orthodox churches. However, it possesses distinctive features rooted in its ancient traditions and interpretations of scripture. The Kidase emphasizes the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, not merely symbolically, but as a true offering and participation in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Unlike some other traditions, the Kidase incorporates a lengthy and intricate sequence of prayers, hymns (Zema), and readings, emphasizing communal participation and a profound sense of awe. For instance, the use of Ge’ez, the ancient liturgical language, adds a layer of mystique and connects the present congregation to a rich historical legacy. The elaborate preparations, the distinctive musical styles, and the intricate symbolism of the vestments and liturgical objects further differentiate it. The emphasis on the communal aspect, with the congregation actively participating in chanting and responding, differs from services where participation is primarily passive.

Holy Baptisim

Baptism is the sacrament through which a person is born again and accepted into the membership of the church after being dipped into water three times in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

Of all the sacraments it is the first, because it is considered as the door through which the believer enters the church and the kingdom of grace according to what was said by the Lord: “Except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3: 5)

Holy Baptism is the First of the Seven Sacraments – Mysteries of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Baptism is the door by which the believer enters the Body of Christ, i.e. “The Church,” and becomes a partaker in the other Sacraments – Mysteries of grace.

The Sacrament – Mystery of Holy Baptism is performed by the infant, child, teen or adult being immersed in water three times in The Name of the Holy Trinity – The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

Holy Matrimony

The love that exists between a man and a woman is an important theme in many books of the Sacred Scripture. The Book of Genesis, in particular, tells us of holy and pious couples, such as Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Rachel. A special blessing, bestowed on these couples by the Lord Almighty, was made manifest in the multiplication of their descendants. Love is praised in the Song of Songs, a book which, in spite of all allegorical and mystical interpretations in patristic tradition, does not lose its literal meaning.