Timket celebrated across Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, January 20, 2020 (FBC) -Orthodox Church followers across Ethiopia celebrated today Epiphany (Timket).

Timket is a festival celebrated all over Ethiopia to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.

It was registered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as Intangible World Heritage of Humanity last year.

In her remarks at the celebration held in the city of Gondar, President Sahle-Work Zewde congratulated Ethiopians for the inscription of the heritage.

The registration of Timket by UNESCO is beneficial to build image of the country, the President said, adding efforts will be made to enlist other heritages.

The President also urged the current generation to take the responsibility of preserving heritages.

Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abune Mathias, also congratulated followers at the celebration held in the capital Addis Ababa at Jan Meda.

The Patriarch called on Ethiopians to show love one another. Love is the key to make things easier and that requires only our commitment, he said.

Timket is the fourth intangible cultural heritage of Ethiopia inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible World Heritage of Humanity, next to Meskel, the Geda system, and Fichee Chambalala.

Timket is celebrated on January 19th or 20th in a leap year.