Orthodox Fasting Calendar 2024 Ethiopian
Orthodox Fasting Calendar 2024 Ethiopian
As someone who has grown up in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, I have always looked forward to the different festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the year. One of the most important aspects of these celebrations is the fasting that takes place beforehand. In this article, I will be sharing my personal experience with the Orthodox Fasting Calendar 2024 Ethiopian and providing a guide to celebrating the festivals.
What is the Orthodox Fasting Calendar?
The Orthodox Fasting Calendar is a schedule of fasts and feasts that are observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. These fasts and feasts are based on the Julian calendar, which is 7-8 years behind the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world. The fasting periods range from a few days to several weeks and are observed by abstaining from certain foods and activities.
What are the fasting periods in the Orthodox Fasting Calendar 2024 Ethiopian?
The fasting periods in the Orthodox Fasting Calendar 2024 Ethiopian include:
- Tsome Gahad (Advent Fast) – November 15 to December 28, 2023
- Tsome Arba (40-day Fast) – January 7 to February 15, 2024
- Tsome Hawariat (Lenten Fast) – March 11 to April 26, 2024
- Tsome Filseta (Fast of the Apostles) – June 9 to June 28, 2024
- Tsome Tewahedo (Fast of the Assumption) – August 7 to August 21, 2024
- Tsome Metsihafe Tselote (Fast of the Holy Cross) – August 22 to September 13, 2024
- Tsome Debre Zeit (Fast of the Savior) – October 14 to October 26, 2024
Events and Festivals in the Orthodox Fasting Calendar 2024 Ethiopian
The fasting periods in the Orthodox Fasting Calendar are followed by celebrations and festivals. Some of the important events and festivals in the Orthodox Fasting Calendar 2024 Ethiopian include:
- Gena (Ethiopian Christmas) – January 7, 2024
- Timket (Epiphany) – January 19, 2024
- Fasika (Ethiopian Easter) – April 28, 2024
- Meskel (Finding of the True Cross) – September 27, 2024
How are these festivals celebrated?
The festivals in the Orthodox Fasting Calendar are celebrated with great fervor and devotion. Gena, for example, is celebrated with a special church service, followed by a feast with family and friends. Timket is marked by a colorful procession, during which the Tabot (a replica of the Ark of the Covenant) is carried to a nearby body of water. Fasika is celebrated with a special church service, followed by a feast with family and friends. Meskel is marked by a bonfire, which is lit in commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross.
Question and Answer
Q. What foods are allowed during the fasting periods?
A. During the fasting periods, Orthodox Christians are supposed to abstain from animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. Some also abstain from fish and oil. Instead, they eat a vegan diet that is rich in grains, legumes, and vegetables.
Q. Is it mandatory for all Orthodox Christians to fast?
A. Fasting is not mandatory for all Orthodox Christians, but it is highly recommended. Those who are physically unable to fast (due to illness, pregnancy, etc.) are exempt from fasting.
FAQs
Q. Why is the Julian calendar used in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?
A. The Julian calendar is used in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church because it was the calendar that was in use at the time that Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia in the 4th century.
Q. What is the significance of fasting in the Orthodox Church?
A. Fasting is seen as a way of purifying the body and the soul, and of drawing closer to God. It is also a way of expressing solidarity with the poor and the marginalized.
Q. Can non-Orthodox Christians participate in the festivals?
A. Non-Orthodox Christians are welcome to participate in the festivals, but they are not expected to observe the fasting periods.
In conclusion, the Orthodox Fasting Calendar is an important aspect of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity, and the festivals and celebrations that follow the fasting periods are a source of joy and inspiration. By observing the fasting periods and participating in the festivals, Orthodox Christians are able to deepen their faith and connect with their community.
