Covenant of Mercy

On 16 of Yekatit 2014 of the Ethiopian Orthodox Calendar (23 February 2022) was the annual “Covenant of Mercy.”  These scenes are from the famous Ura Kidane Mehiret Monastery located on the Zege Peninsula of Lake Tana near the Ethiopia town of Bahar Dar.
During this procession, the “Tabot” of the church is carried outside.  Every Ethiopian Orthodox Church has a Tabot, a representation of the Ark of the Covenant which sanctifies the church building.  In the video, you can see a priest with the Tabot balanced on his head and wrapped in purple fabrics as no-one other than the head priest may lay eyes on the actual Tabot.

Young church deacons preparing for the procession.  The deacons to the immediate right have the special honor of wearing ancient crowns belonging to the church.  One holds an "enzira", an accordion type instrument, and the other holds a silver chalice used during the eucharist.

Video and photos by Ayinekulu Mulugeta.