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WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) – Dressed in all white, hundreds Ethiopian Orthodox Christians crowded into Washington, D.C.’s DSK Mariam Church, to sing hymns and pray in the ancient Ge’ez language, as well as to keep vigil during their Easter Sunday.
Fasika, the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, is celebrated a week following Catholic and Protestant Easter.
“We wear white to groom ourselves for heaven,” said archdeacon Getahun Atlaw.
Fasika, for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church calendar is the most revered and important time. The intensity of the celebrations and rituals increases during Holy Week. They culminate in a eight-hour overnight service, which ends with a 55-day abstinence from meat and animal-based products.
Some members of DSK Mariam church experienced greater hardships this year, as the Trump administration attempted to revoke the temporary protected status of over 5,000 Ethiopians in the U.S.
Recently, a federal Judge blocked from this decision.
Deacon Jonathan Melaku, 18, said that it takes courage and hard work to reach the point where the members of the church are today. “Our people will remain resilient.”
The largest Ethiopian population in the United States
The Washington church is filled with second and third generation Ethiopian Americans.
Atlaw stated that “Ethiopians know how to work hard, are disciplined and well-mannered, and can come together.” We’re here to bring values, not just ourselves.
DSK Mariam is formally known by Re’ese Adbarat Debre Selam Kidist Mariam Church and belongs to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Tradition — one of Christianity’s oldest branches.
The church, located in the D.C. metropolitan area, is home to the largest Ethiopian community in the United States. It serves approximately 4,000 people each week.
About 1,500 people attended the Easter service overnight, which concluded at 3 am on Sunday.
“The resurrection is the climax because without it, Christianity would not exist. It would be a hollow philosophy,” said Abraham HabteSellassie. He is a “kesis”, or priest, who led the Divine Liturgy between midnight and 3 a.m. to represent the three hours that they believe Christ spent on the cross.
Sebawit Yarsaw, a member of the church for 16 years, joined shortly after her immigration from Ethiopia. She says that people have a special bond during Fasika, because they are seeking salvation.
She said, “We all feel that salvation is something we need because we go through so much hardship in our lives.”
Weekend of Prayer and Worship
On Good Friday earlier in the week the priests were huddled in a group and covered in dark purple and golden garments. This represented Christ’s victory over evil and salvation. The priests chanted together, “Lord, have mercy on me.”
A second time, the clergymen stoked a fire, symbolizing Satan’s defeat.
Congregants as well as clergy prostrated themselves dozens of time during this service.
Atlaw said, “We are living Christ-like in the best way we can.” “The prostration represents Christ’s passion for love. “What he did for us, his sacrifice.”
The tuaf, or long, thin wax candles, are lit during Easter’s nocturnal services to symbolize the moment when the light of Christ is believed to have dispelled the darkness.
The church erupted with a chorus of clergy and laity alike: “Your resurrection belongs to us who believe.” Send your light on us.
“The celebration was so joyous that I didn’t feel tired at all,” said Deacon Amanuel Argaw, a 21-year-old.
Fast-breaking together with feasting
Congregants were drawn out of the church by the aroma of doro wat, an Ethiopian dish consisting of spiced chicken simmered in spices.
Congregations gathered in small groups to break their fast on the sidewalk before returning home for rest.
Family and friends gathered later in the day for a traditional Ethiopian Easter meal and broke their fast together.
It is important that members of this community continue these ancient tradition and teach them to their youth.
This history and its value can be taken anywhere Ethiopians go. This is our past. How can we ignore it? Atlaw said, “This is who we really are.” “We must pass it on from generation to generations.”
Selamawit’s family of Ethiopians is her priority when it comes to breaking the Easter fast.
Adey Thomas joked with Tekola’s niece Adey, that when Selama tells you to take time off and come, it is not optional. They were sitting in a home full of family and friends.
Thomas: “In the States it’s very rushy to go, hurry, hurry, especially in the D.C. region.” Thomas: “This is a time to celebrate with your family.”
On a sunny Easter Sunday, in Virginia, the whole family arrived. They stood around the food in traditional clothes and prayed. They then shared Ethiopian coffee and a honey wine known as Tej.
“I was raised Orthodox, and I respect that. I love it. Tekola said, “That means a great deal to us.” “That’s exactly what we teach our children.”
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