The Third Month
Hidar
The third month of the Ethiopian Liturgical Year is known as “Hidar.” The word is derived from the Geeze word “Mahedere” which means “abode.” According to the Holy Church teaching, the time from Hidar six up to Tahisas seven, the thirteen consecutive days are known as “Age of Mercy.” This is the time when we think the mercy, forgiveness and kindness of God.
On this month, we commemorate the return of Holy Mother Saint Mary with her beloved Son Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with Saint elder Joseph and Salome from Egypt and Ethiopia, and dwelled on “Mount Quasquam.” This encountered on Hidar 6. After the Angel told about King Herods death, they rerurened to Jerusalem, we celebrate and make feasts.
On Hidar eight is also the commemoration of the four Incorporeal Beasts who carry the throne of God. As it is mentioned by Saint John who witnessed this in his Revelation saying, “Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardine stone in appearance: and there was a rainbow around the throne in appearance like an emerald: … and in the midst of the throne and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty who was, and is, and is to come.'” (Revelation 4:2-8)
Isaiah the Prophet said: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim: each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.'” (Isaiah 6:1-3) Ezekiel the Prophet said: “Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the North, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself, and brightness was all around it, and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man… and each one had four wings. Their legs were straight; and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calve’s feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze…” (Ezekiel 1:4-7)
Saint John the Evangelist said: “After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, belong to the Lord our God,’ … and the four living creatures fell down and worshipped God who sat on the throne, saying, ‘Amen, Alleluia… for the Lord God Omnipotent reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give Him glory……'” (Revelation 19:1-7)
The Lord set them near His throne in order for them to make supplications on behalf of all the creation. The beast with the man’s face makes supplications on behalf of the human race, the one with the lion’s face makes supplications on behalf of the beasts, the one with the bull’s face makes supplications on behalf of the cattle, and the one with the eagle’s face makes supplications on behalf of the birds. The teachers of the church built churches in their names and commemorated them on this day.
On this day also is commemorated the festival of Afnin the Archangel, one of the nine and ninety archangels, who together with Surafel guard the throne of glory. Of him Enoch said that he goes round that house; and Surafel, and Kirubel, and Afnin, “These are the [angels] who never sleep, and who guard the throne of His glory,” Salutation to this Trinity of Angels who guard the throne of God.
The Arch angel leader of all the angels Saint Michael’s appointed day Hidar 12 is another glorious day celebrated in this month. This angel known as “who is like God”, is merciful, kind, who pleads mercy and bestows us forgiveness. Holy Mother celebrates his annual feast day on Hidar 12 and Sene 12.
The Arch of Covenant’s entry to our country Hidar 24 is holiday day commemorated and celebrated in this month. By the miraculous work and will of God, the tablet of the ten commandment’s dwelling being in Ethiopia is the happiest day and thus we make feasts.
Saint Seraphim are the Angels who burn incense around the throne of God. Saint John stated his witness as, “Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” (Revelation 8:3)
The Heavenly Priests, Saint Seraphim are the highest hierarchy in the tribe of the Angel’s World, the closest to God, which the Book of Synaxarium refers them as, “The Twenty-Four Elders.” Seraphim is a Hebrew word meaning “fire,” and it symbolizes the heat of their love of God. (Synaxarium Hidar 24) In relation, we commemorate the day our holy father burning incense around the throne of God with these angels.
Their intercession be for us and Glory be to our God, forever. Amen.