Timkat

Timkat is an Epiphany ceremony held by Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Churches and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Churches. It is observed on the 19th of January (or the 20th in a leap year), which corresponds to the Ge'ez calendar's 11th day of Terr. Timkat commemorates Jesus' baptism at the Jordan River. The ritual recreation of baptism is the highlight of this festival. Timkat ceremony in Jan Meda, Ethiopian Tewahedo priests.

The Tabot, a model of the Ark of the Covenant that is located on every Ethiopian altar, is lovingly wrapped in expensive cloth and carried in procession on the head of the priest during the Timkat rites. The Tabot, which is rarely seen by the general public, represents Jesus' manifestation as the Messiah when he came to Jordan to be baptized. Early in the morning, the Divine Liturgy is held alongside a stream or pool (around 2 a.m.). The participants are then sprinkled with blessings from a nearby body of water as dawn approaches, and some of them enter the water and immerse themselves, symbolically repeating their baptismal vows.

Date: January 19th or January 20th