Orthodox Epiphany in Eritrea

2027-01-19 Asmara

Timket, literally meaning baptism, or the feast of Epiphany, is a great festival observed every year. It is actually a three-day affair, beginning on the eve of Timket with dramatic and colorful process ions. The following morning the great day itself, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ's baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, is commemorated. The third day is devoted to the feast of St. Michael the Archangel. Timket is a colorful national Christian celebration in orthodox Tewahdo church which the entire nation takes part. Enormous effort is put into the occasion. On the eve of the Holy Day the priest's take out the Tabots from each church and take them to near by fields where a river or water is available, in our country to "bahti meskerem". This is done in remembrance of Christ's journey to river Jordan.