Tabot

Tabot ( Ge'ez ታቦት Tabot ) refers to copies of the tablets of the law that are in the Ethiopian Orthodox and Eritrean Orthodox Church especially revered.

The Israelite Ark of the Covenant with the original tablets of the law, which Moses is said to have received from God himself ( from Mount Sinai ), located after Ethiopian conviction still in Ethiopia and is kept in Aksum. Each church has, however, have a copy of these laws tablets on which, however, not the commandments, but crosses and other religious symbols are engraved. In general, the well tsellat ( Ge'ez: ጽላት ṣellāt ) above, made ​​about 15 cm ² Tabot panels of alabaster, marble or wood. They are each either ( people) dedicated to the Trinity, angels or saints. According to these assignments, the Church receives her name and she is celebrating her monthly " patronage ". The Tabot panel is usually on the altar of the church; on their Eucharist is celebrated.

The monthly fixed days (see Ethiopian calendar) which always veiled panels are worn in front of the church. A particularly solemn procession with the Tabot from all the churches of a town or city district will take place on Timket Festival ( ie the solid appearance of the Lord ) instead.