Epiphany: from Jordan to Ethiopia

On January 19, Orthodox Christians as well as Greek Catholics celebrate the baptism of the Lord which in some churches also coincides with l & # 39; Epiphany.

In Ukraine, it's called shish Baptism, or Jordan. The baptism completes the cycle of the Christmas holidays.

It is believed that Jordan's water acquires healing properties.

However, it is advisable for the state emergency department to dive into water in specially equipped places. There, they also warned: "in any case, can not dive in the water, go to the hole must be slow and careful."

In Western tradition, this holiday is called Epiphany in the honor of the event of the baptism of Jesus Christ on the Jordan, when Christ, according to the Gospels, declared himself to the Messiah and to the Savior.

On the Jordan, that day, the faithful Also immersed in the water and pass the baptismal ceremony.

Orthodox Christians celebrate baptism according to the Gregorian calendar. Thus, on January 6, while in Istanbul, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Epiphanus presented the tomos on the autocephaly of the Ukrainian church, the local Christians celebrated Epiphany or plunged into the bay of the Horn Golden.

In Ethiopia, Christians call it "Timkat Feast", which in translation means "baptism".

70% of the population of Ethiopia is Christian. The festival of Timkat lasts three days during which the faithful dress in white, visit the church, pray, sing and dance.

In Egypt, Christian monks celebrate Epiphany on January 7th. The Coptic Orthodox Church comprises 400 communities, most of which are in Egypt.

At the baptism ceremony of the faithful of this church on the wrist of the right hand of the baptized, they make a tattoo in the shape of a cross symbolizing the disposition to accept martyrdom for faith.