Ethiopian Orthodox priests celebrate Timkat (Epiphany), the church's most important Holy Day. Ethiopia is Africa's oldest Christian nation where more than half the population follows the Ethiopian Orthodox faith. Priests wear colourful vestments and carry large silver and bronze crosses. Silk brocade umbrellas shade them from the sun. During this ancient celebration, they lead their flock in a long procession to a river or lake symbolising the River Jordan, where baptism of young children takes place. Central to the religious beliefs of this 1, 000-year-old religion is a special veneration of Saints Michael and George. They admit seven sacraments, pay homage to the Virgin Mary and other saints, and respect the resurrection, the last judgement and other features of the Roman church.
