+ SERVICES +
Structure & Practices
The structure and practice of the present Ethiopian Liturgy, is practically the same as was used in the beginning of the fourth century and throughout the succeeding centuries, with the modern language (Amharic) and the translation into English for the use of non-Amharic speaking faithful. No major change or reform has been made into the Ethiopic Liturgy.
There are two distinct orders in the services of the Church.
- Priests and Deacons who officiate at the Mass
- Debteras, whose duties entail "performing" liturgical hymns before and after the Divine Liturgy
The Liturgical Service may be divided into two parts:
- Preparatory Service of Pre-Anaphora (Serate Qeddasse)
- The Anaphora (Queddasse)
Preparatory Services
The preparatory service deals with prayer over vessels of the church, over the paten, the chalice, the cross-spoon, and over the platter on which the bread is carried. It includes the absolution of the Son, the Litany, the prayer of incense, scripture readings, the washing of hands, the prayer of faith (the Creed) and invocation.
In the Ethiopian church, there should be at least two Priests and three Deacons to celebrate the Eucharist. Nevertheless, in recent years, permission was given for one Priest and Deacon to perform the Divine Liturgy in areas where clergymen are not available.
The Anaphora
The Anaphora is the Eucharistic part of the Divine Liturgy. There are a total of fourteen Anaphoras. Each Anaphora is used for a different occasion. The celebrant Priest picks one, which suits the day. Traditionally, each Anaphora begins with the prayer of thanksgiving.