At the time where earth is ornamented by flowers, there is a feast we celebrate specifically on Mesekerem 10, known to be “Teketsel Tsige (The Feast of Flowers).” Teketsel meaning “crown”, and Tsige to mean “flower,” is a feast that Holy Church celebrate in this ending of winter season. There are reasons for this also. One of them is related with the previous King’s stories.
When he had arrived in Jerusalem he knelt and prayed in the holy places, and he set out on his return journey without having bought the picture. Immediately he heard a voice, which said unto him, “Why has you forgotten to buy the picture?” being troubled by the voice he turned back into the marketplace, and found a picture of our Lady Mary, which had sweet features and a beautiful form. Having bought it he wrapped it up in cotton and in fine linen. as he was traveling along a terrible road in the desert thieves rose up against him, and when he was wishing to take to flight, a voice came forth from that picture which said, “Fear not: complete thy journey”; and he went on his way and none challenged him. Another time a savage lion rose up against him and wanted to rend him, and straightway an awful voice came forth from that picture and drove away the lion.
The foremost reason for the downfall of humans is the result of bad advice. Our father Adam though kept God’s law for seven years and live in heaven, he was deceived by the evil advice of Satan, then loose almighty Lord like God and holy place like heaven. This is due to evil advice; Now on this earth, alike previously, being aware or unaware, there are some bad advisers in deceiving and leading to unlawfulness.
On the other hand, there are good advisers initiating for goodness, direct the real path in enriching God, like Apostle Philip who is good advisor and dear friends. (John 1:46-51)
The only extra month stated in the Ethiopian Calendar is pagumen. Ethiopia has her own equation in enriching new years. Thus she lives by her chronology, religion, liturgy, tradition devoid of tarnishing of identity.
Holy Church commemorates the second coming of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on this month. Patristic father teaches us about Pagumen which is the transgression month of summer to winter. These two seasons are the resemblance of light and everlasting life in the kingdom of God. They remind us about judgment day. Also on this month, we celebrate the feast of Archangel Saint Raphael and the opening of heavens.
The great righteous prophet Micah, departed on Nehassie 22. He prophesied about Samaria and Jerusalem during the time of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezkiah, kings of Judeah. Also about the incarnation of the Lord, to Whom is the Glory, saying, “For behold, the Lord is coming out of His high place. He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth.” (Micah 1:3).
The word “Nehassie”, is derived from “Nassie” which means “the last of, the twelfth of “Messkerem.”(Aleka Kidane Wolde Dictionary page 637)
Dear children of God! How are you? How is this season of “Fast of Assumption of Saint Mary?” we hope you are spending it with you beloved ones according to the church liturgy and order! This is a great occasion all of us eagerly await for every year for we pray, fast and prostrate much. Little ones, on this fasting occasion, we shall attend the church, learn the word of God, pray, participate on the Divine Liturgy as well as do much good deeds.
Children! On this lesson of “which do you remember”, we have presented to you questions on the lesson about Christians endeavors. You shall send us your response on the address on our website address website.english@eotcmk.org
Generally speaking about addiction, it is necessary to discuss especially about alcoholism as we see it as the most eloquent example of addiction. This, not only due to the fact that the phenomenon of alcoholism is by far the best-known in our country at the moment, but also to the fact that what is applied to the disease of alcoholism remains valid for the addiction to other substances or behaviors. Furthermore, the spiritual process of recovering from various dependencies is very similar, in almost all cases, whether one speaks about alcohol, cannabis or heroine. Of course, there are differences between addictions and their solutions; however, we shall highlight the similarities between them, trying to understand them better, from a theological coherent perspective.
Humans worry for attaining both virtuous and evil thoughts. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told us “do not worry” for the vanity world that is unjust. (Matthew 6:34) He knows what we seek and desire in the earthly life. The discerning mind we are endowed by Him is for the wisdom of us. Yet, it is improper to worry about any of it. Patristic Fathers teaching the children of God to “think but not worry” is for this reason. On the temporary earthly life, we shall be thoughtful, careful, “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) We are warranted not to fear and worry in Christianity. Whilst the apostles were saddened about the Lord’s suffering and death, He sympathized them saying, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)
Absolute in His attribute, Holy and pure as He is, and for no uncleans is in Him, our Lord, God is a Good Father. The existence of Him before the creation of the world, for He does so now and forever, He lives in holiness in eternity. Before He created all the creatures by His mercy, He existed by sacred and triune; now also abodes glorified, sanctified and praised; as well will be praised in the future in His kingdom even for the inheritance of His honor and holiness to the Archangels and mankind. He did all this for His mercy, goodness, kindness and holy will.