One of the most unique branches of Christianity celebrates with special, ancient ceremonies in the Israeli capital. The Tower’s photographer takes us there.
While most people know about the over 120,000 Jews of Ethopian descent living in Israel today, less known is the much smaller Ethopian Christian community that sees Jerusalem as its sacred heart. Every spring, on the day before Easter, members of the Orthodox Church gather at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to witness the miracle of the Holy Fire. According to Orthodox belief, a blue light begins to shine from the stone lying across the site where Jesus was buried and then rose from the dead. The light grows stronger and more powerful, and spontaneously lights the candles carried by onlookers. Dating as far back as the 2nd century, it is one of the most revered miracles in Orthodox Christianity, and pilgrims arrive from around the world to witness the ceremony.
Among them are members of one of the oldest and most unique congregations in Christianity: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church. With a theology, rituals, and biblical canon entirely their own, Ethiopian Christians take pride in their ancient heritage, and regularly make the long trip to witness the Holy Fire each year. Exercising authority over the roof of the Holy Sepulcher, the pilgrims and their clerics gather to celebrate the miracle by lighting candles and dancing to rhythmic drumming.
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Banner Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
- An Ethiopian Easter in Jerusalem / Aviram Valdman
Thousands of pilgrims attend the ceremony of the Holy Fire every year. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
An Ethiopian woman is overcome by emotion at the ceremony of the Holy Fire. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
Ethiopian Orthodox clergy dress in rich and colorful garments unique to their community, often giving a regal appearance. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is among the oldest in history. Its members believe the church’s origins are recounted in the Book of Acts, which would place its beginnings at the dawn of Christianity itself. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
The miracle of the Holy Fire is celebrated by lighting candles. This reflects the belief that a supernatural fire emerging from Jesus’ tomb lights the candles of onlookers.
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is divided between many Christian denominations. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has authority over the roof of the structure. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
The ceremony is begun by the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, who enters into Jesus’ tomb and recites prayers until the miraculous light appears. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
The appearance of the light is followed by cheers, singing, and then dancing to drums carried by the worshipers. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
Even the elderly sometimes make the long pilgrimage from Ethiopia to Jerusalem in order to witness the miracle. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
The main language of the Ethiopian church is Ge’ez, a Semitic tongue with the same roots as Hebrew. The church’s liturgy and biblical canon are written in the language. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
In contrast to the lush garments of the clergy, pilgrims often dress in the simplest clothing. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
The Ethiopian church observes many unique dietary laws and other traditions similar to those of Judaism. Its bible is the largest in Christianity, including books that do not appear in any other canon. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
Orthodox Christians revere the Holy Fire as one of the holiest miracles in the world, but it is almost unknown in the West. Photo: Aviram Valdman / The Tower
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