Zion’s Mantle: The Mystery of Filseta
Today, the faithful of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church emerge from the sixteen days of Tsome Filseta, a season of prayer, abstinence, and deep devotion in honor of the Dormition and Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary. For more than two weeks, Ethiopia’s monasteries have glowed with midnight vigils, the sistra ringing in rhythm with the ancient kebero drum, while clouds of frankincense curled heavenward, carrying the prayers of the devout.
Now, at dawn, the Holy Qurban is celebrated: priests in white vestments chant hymns that echo across rock-hewn sanctuaries and mountain cloisters, as the faithful bow in awe before the mystery of the Virgin’s passing into eternal glory. In this moment, the Ark of the New Covenant is remembered not only as borne into Heaven but as dwelling within the heart of Ethiopia herself.
The feast is more than the breaking of a fast, it is the renewal of a covenant, the reaffirmation of Zion’s shelter over her children. Amid the incense and chant, one hears the echo of angels escorting St. Mary into the heavenly courts, while her people on earth stand clothed in reverence and thanksgiving, gathered as one beneath her holy mantle.
@AlemuRutta@Amhara_Wisdom@EphremKesis@he_negash@EmishawEskedar@orthodox_33ad
Old Ethiopian Torah, in the Gə'əz (Ethiopian Semitic) script, Book of Genesis (manuscript). The Torah or Old Testament is called the "Orit" in Ethiopic, the same root word as "Oraita" in Aramaic, which means "Torah."
@realMaalouf Also, with them, include the 30 Ethiopian Orthodox Christians who were beheaded by ISIS, too. They were their brothers in Christ, from the same Oriental Orthodox Church.