Ethiopian Orthodox Inspired Evesong

Ethiopian Inspired Evensong is a contemplative, meditative service. The Reverend Jemonde Taylor wrote the service in 2007 while a student at the General Theological Seminary, NYC. The service follows “An Order of Worship for Evening” as it appears in the Episcopal Prayer book page 109 but utilizes the Ethiopian liturgical tradition. To adapt the Ethiopian liturgy to an Anglican context, Taylor consulted Abba Gebre Selassie, a New York City Ethiopian Orthodox priest, who describes the service as, “an Ethiopian Evening Prayer appropriate for westerners.” The service is perhaps one of the first Ethiopian Evening Prayer services written in English and designed for corporate worship outside an Ethiopian Orthodox religious context.

The service itself is quiet, meditative, and contemplative. A cantor leads the service by chanting, with the people participating in the prayers by droning or humming on a single note. Periods of silence and reflection follow the readings. The Lord’s Prayer occurs three times during the service as a doxology.

Ethiopia is an African country where Christianity predates European colonialism. Indeed, Ethiopia is one of the oldest Christian countries, having received Christianity from Egyptian and Syrian missionaries. It is perhaps the first Christian nation in the world to mint coins with the Christian cross, doing so in the year 324 CE. The faith is still celebrated in Ethiopia today with a rich sense of vibrancy and enthusiasm.

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