Baptism Ceremony

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Baptism is considered one of the Holy Sacraments. A Holy Sacrament is a ceremony that is performed on a person in order to make the person a Christian. Through baptism, the person is reborn as a Christian, is purified from all his sins, and is admitted to the Holy Church as a full fledged member. Baptism is based on the Lord’s example. Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan. Traditionally, children are baptized at 40 days for boys and 80 days for girls. Adults may also be baptized after taking a baptism class. Prayers, scripture readings and full immersion in holy water in the name of the Holy Trinity are an integral part of this ritual ceremony. This is followed by chrismation and Holy Communion which fully initiates the person into the Church. Baptism is a deeply spiritual experience but it is also an opportunity for families and friends and the wider community to come and celebrate the baptism of a child.

Holy Matrimony Ceremony

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Holy Matrimony is one of the sacraments through which a man and a woman enters into a spiritual covenant for the whole of life. Marriage is a holy relationship between the couple and God, through love, faithfulness and promise. In the Orthodox Church the wedding ceremony is performed by a priest in the church. It involves prayers, scripture readings and blessings for the couple. A prayer is offered to God to guide and protect the couple. In the wedding service crowns are placed on the bride and groom. These crowns are seen as an honour to be bestowed upon the couple and also a recognition of their spiritual responsibility for their future life together. Marriage and Family is a doctrine and ordinance of great import to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The marriage covenant was ordained of God before mortal life and was given to Adam and Eve. Jesus Christ taught this commandment when He taught the importance of the commandments. A marriage is not just a contract. It is a spiritual relationship, a holy union between two people who enter into a covenant with each other and with God, pledging to help one another achieve spiritual growth and establishing a family unit that honors God and His Son. Holy Matrimony is a service of worship in the church and at the same time a joyous occasion which brings together a variety of loved ones in a communal acknowledgment and blessing of the new relationship.

Prayer for Justice

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church prayers for justice often begin with an appeal to God’s righteousness, mercy and truth. The Church affirms God as the final judge of humanity and as a God who is omnipresent and that watches over the oppressed. We can bring to God in prayer any situation that troubles us: that there may be justice, peace and wisdom in the world. Praying for revenge is not what we ask of God, but rather that He guide us along the road that leads to reconciliation, forgiveness and justice. As the message of Jesus Christ is at the root of our prayer for justice, we must pray for justice in a spirit of patience, faith and trust in the justice of God which is to come. That is to pray in a spirit of integrity and to put our trust in the justice of God. A Prayer for Justice is an invitational resource to help us explore, deepen and express our faith in relation to social justice issues. Its purpose is to challenge us to live the values of justice, mercy and accountability, and to inspire us to pray with greater awareness, passion and involvement for transformation in the world.

We Pray for You

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, praying for each other is a sign of love, unity and faith in God among the believers. Therefore, “We Pray for You” is a manifestation of the role of the Church standing behind its members on the joyous and difficult events they encounter in their lives, such as illness and poverty. To intercede means to pray to God for others, asking for strength, healing, protection and peace. Such prayer can be offered during our Sunday worship services or in our private devotions for individuals, families and communities. Our Lord Jesus Christ has shown us that we should love and act towards others with sincerity. Prayer is an important part of our support for each other on our spiritual journey, and our trust in God’s mercy and goodness. When we say, “We pray for you,” we mean more than just the phrase. We mean that we are committed to pray for you. That we remember you before God and bring faith and hope to the problems you face.