Tabote Tsion
The very great abode of God, The Arc of the covenant locally known as “Tabote Tsion” is Ethiopia’s most sacred. It came to our country in the reign of Menelik the 1st , the son of Queen of Sheba. The story is in scripted in the book of “Kibra Negest.”
“The Ark of the Covenant,” also known as the Ark of the Testimony or the Ark of God, was a religious storage chest and relic held to be the most sacred object by the Israelites.” It lived with them for 500 years foremost given thru the Prophet Mosses, consisting the Ten Commandments, being the ladder to reach God and guide as well as power in war where they triumphed on each. (Genesis 31:18) Then came to our country and is kept in Axum Tsion Church in Hidar 21.
This day is celebrated colorfully in all Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Churches every year commemorating the holiday that Ethiopia is blessed making her be called “The Country of God.” Tabote Tsion is the resemblance of abode of God, our Holy Mother Saint Virgin Mary. That is why it is also known as “Tsion Mariam/Zion Mary/.” The Amharic word “Tsion” is derived from the Geeze word “Tsewon” which means “ haven, sanctuary.” As Saint Mary is the mother of all and since it represents her, we also call it “The abode of God.”
The great mercy given by the Lord is what we shall be grateful about in praise of Him. Our country is fortune of this being the place of situate of The Arc of the Covenant. We shall also commemorate and celebrate the day Hidar 21 of its dwelling to Ethiopia, Axum Tsion.
May God’s mercy, Saint Virgin Mary’s prayer, intercession and mediation be with us; Amen!