(April 23, 2011, New Zealand, The Press)--Drumming and chanting filled Abberley Park Hall yesterday as Christchurch's Ethiopian community celebrated Good Friday.
The Ethiopian group previously shared its services with the Egyptian community at the Coptic Church on Edgeware Rd. The century-old brick building was damaged in the September earthquake and had to be demolished.
Father Abba Philipos had been holding services in his garage over the past month. From this week, the group can use Abberley Park Hall.
Up to 60 Ethiopians crowded into the hall, where they prayed, chanted and received blessings. Philipos said Good Friday was very important in the orthodox Christian church and a "happy day" for the community.
The service culminated in a banishing of the devil, signified by hitting lit beeswax candles with wooden crosses. After the service, the Ethiopians broke their fast with a vegan meal. For 55 days over the Easter period, they do not eat meat or dairy products.
Philipos said some members had left Christchurch after February's quake but were slowly returning. The Ethiopians would rejoin the Egyptians for a midnight service today.
Source: The Press
The Ethiopian group previously shared its services with the Egyptian community at the Coptic Church on Edgeware Rd. The century-old brick building was damaged in the September earthquake and had to be demolished. Father Abba Philipos had been holding services in his garage over the past month. From this week, the group can use Abberley Park Hall.
Up to 60 Ethiopians crowded into the hall, where they prayed, chanted and received blessings. Philipos said Good Friday was very important in the orthodox Christian church and a "happy day" for the community.
The service culminated in a banishing of the devil, signified by hitting lit beeswax candles with wooden crosses. After the service, the Ethiopians broke their fast with a vegan meal. For 55 days over the Easter period, they do not eat meat or dairy products.
Philipos said some members had left Christchurch after February's quake but were slowly returning. The Ethiopians would rejoin the Egyptians for a midnight service today.
Source: The Press
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