Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Ketera today (Jan 18, 2018)

Ethiopian Orthodox Christians will celebrate Ketera, the eve of Timket (Ethiopian Epiphany) today. The celebration involves taking out the Tabots, which symbolizes the Ark of the Covenant, from the churches to sites where the next day’s celebration will take place. The Tabots, entirely covered in silk decorated clothing, are placed on the heads of priests, who parade the streets slowly. The priests, outfitted in ceremonial clothing, are escorted by the singing crowd as they make their way to the baptism location. Timket will be celebarted the next day, every January 19th (January 20 during leap year). The celebration is to commemorate Christ’s baptism. more