Spectacular Ethiopian Epiphany comes to Liverpool Cathedral

 Liverpool Cathedral is set to host a spectacular Ethiopian festival as thousands of followers pilgrimage from across the UK to Merseyside.
Followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tawhedo church have chosen the cathedral to hold their world famous Timkat festival, a 2,000 year-old tradition.
Translating as ‘baptism’, Timkat celebrates Christ’s birth with a 24-hour spectacular of singing, chanting and prayer.
One of the definining moments of the celebration will be the parading of the Tabot – replicas of the tablet of stone on which believers say God inscribed the 10 commandments.
Ethiopia, with its uniquely ancient Hebrew and Christian heritage, is regarded by many as the spiritual heart of Africa.

The world famous Timkat festival is coming to Liverpool

The Ethiopian Orthodox Archbishop of Europe, His Grace Abuna Entonius will lead the celebrations assisted by dozens of priests and choirs from all over the UK and Europe.
A spokesperson for the festivities said that Merseysiders are welcome to see the world-famous spectacle for themselves.
They said: “Merseysiders are warmly encouraged to participate in this awesome display of living history and witness some of the most fascinating, colourful and moving forms of Christian worship in the world. This festival is one of the proudest for all Ethiopians.
“We have been participating in voluntary based social activities, cultural and religious festivals, community building and cohesion with others around us for over seven years in Liverpool. We think this is a great opportunity to advertise our city’s most beautiful sites.”
The festival will take place from January 23-24, with the holy Tabots arriving early afternoon on January 23, accompanied by enchanting drumming and music.
source :www.liverpoolecho.co.uk