Liturgical Services
The purpose of the liturgical service in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is deeply spiritual and communal, serving multiple theological and cultural functions. These include worship and communion with God, remembrance & re-enactments, sanctification & transformation, teaching & tradition, and finally communal identity & unity.
Worship and Communion with God
The primary goal is to offer praise, adoration, and thanksgiving to God. The Divine Liturgy, known as the "Qidase," is centered on the Eucharist, through which believers partake in the Body and Blood of Christ, expressing unity with Him.
Teaching and Tradition
The service conveys theological truths through scripture readings, hymns, chants, and rituals, preserving and transmitting the rich doctrinal and cultural heritage of the Church.
Remembrance and Reenactment
The liturgy is a sacred reenactment of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. It connects worshippers with biblical events and the heavenly realm, emphasizing the timeless nature of God’s saving work.
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Communal Identity and Unity
​The liturgy fosters a strong sense of belonging, reinforcing the collective identity of the Ethiopian Orthodox faithful. It’s also a space for intercession, where prayers are offered for the living, the dead, and the entire world.
Sanctification and Transformation
Through participation in the sacraments and rituals, the faithful are spiritually renewed, cleansed, and transformed. The liturgy is believed to sanctify both the individual and the gathered community.