Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Faithful Mark Ketera Ahead of Timket With Processions Nationwide

Millions of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faithful marked Ketera, the eve of Timket (Epiphany), on January 18, 2026, across the country, according to the Ethiopian News Agency. The observances, which included grand processions and public devotion, are the prelude to one of the most significant dates on the Ethiopian liturgical calendar.

In Addis Ababa, thousands of worshippers gathered at Jan Meda and other major areas of the city as tabots, the replicas of the Ark of the Covenant that are revered in the church, were carried in procession from churches throughout the capital. The ceremony at Jan Meda was led by His Holiness Abune Mathias, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, together with archbishops, senior clergy, priests, deacons and church choirs. Clad in traditional white garments and colorful ceremonial attire, the faithful filled the field with chants, hymns and ritual songs.

The Patriarch presided over the arrival of the tabots at Jan Meda, offering prayers and blessings. The source reports that he emphasized Timket’s role as a catalyst for national harmony. The tabots were placed at designated sites within Jan Meda, where they will remain overnight under ceremonial guard until the main celebration.

Similar Ketera observances took place in other parts of the country. In the Amhara region, celebrations were held in Bahir Dar, Gondar, Debre Birhan, Dessie, Woldiya, Debre Markos and surrounding communities, with priests and church choirs escorting the tabots while the faithful followed with traditional dances. Young people and women added color to the processions through culturally inspired clothing, jewelry and hairstyles. In Gondar, thousands gathered around the ancient royal enclosure and Fasilides Bath, where students of traditional church education performed ritual dances.

Southern cities also held observances. In Hawassa, tabots from Loke Debre Medhane Meskele Christos Wa Abba Gerima Church were carried by boat across Lake Hawassa toward the baptismal waters, accompanied by ceremonial boats carrying elders, choirs and worshippers. In Arba Minch, priests in ceremonial vestments led chanting and prayer as the faithful arrived in traditional dress. Parallel processions were reported in Axum, Lalibela, Jimma and Harar, where communities welcomed the tabots with incense, hymns and collective prayer. The source notes that the celebrations also drew followers of other faiths and foreign visitors, some of whom observed the rituals as a reflection of Ethiopia’s spiritual heritage and long-standing tradition of religious coexistence, a picture of living at peace with one’s neighbors (Romans 12:18).

Timket commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan and is marked by elaborate liturgy, processions and the sprinkling of holy water. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization inscribed Timket as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in December 2019.

The main Timket celebration is set to take place nationwide on Monday morning, with millions of Ethiopians expected to take part in prayers and receive holy water.

Source: Read the original report