In the heart of the Horn of Africa's rich cultural tapestry lies the
practice of kissing wooden and metal crosses, a custom synonymous with
Orthodox Christianity. Yet, beneath its surface lies a revelation –
this practice, seemingly innocuous, veers away from ያሁአ's teachings
and embraces a form of idolatry.
Kissing crosses traces its origins to the 4th century, a time marked
by the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine. A former adherent
of paganism, Constantine's embrace of Christianity elevated the cross
as a symbol of his authority. His subjects were encouraged to kiss the
cross, a gesture intertwined with loyalty to the emperor's rule.
However, the essence of ያሁአ's teachings, echoing through the annals of
time, adamantly disavows idol worship. The very essence of His word
resonates in the command, "Have no other gods before me," an
unequivocal directive steering His followers away from the snares of
idolatry (Exodus 20:3). Furthermore, a clear proclamation emerges
against the fashioning of idols: "You shall not make for yourself an
idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath
or in the waters below" (Exodus 20:4).
Idolatry, in whatever form it takes, leads to consequences that
permeate through generations. The repercussions are manifested today.
Famine grips the lands, affecting the lives of our brethren in Tigray.
The Oromo, Qemant, and other indigenous people have also faced
persecution, and the Militia movement and current conflict going on
now reflect a society divided. These are signs – signs of ያሁአ's
displeasure, signs of a people who have unknowingly turned away from
His ways.
ያሁአ's warning whispered through the ages, resonates anew. In Ezekiel
14:3-5, ያሁአ speaks: "Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in
their hearts... So I, ያሁአ, will give them the kind of answer their
great idolatry deserves... I will do this to capture the minds and
hearts of all my people who have turned from me to worship their
detestable idols."
As surely as the sun rises, famine, sword, and pestilence emerge as
consequences of straying from His path (Leviticus 26:25-26). Yet,
there is a path of redemption. An awakening calls us to cast off the
shackles of foreign influences, tracing back to the time of Emperor
Ezana's forced conversion into Christianity.
The hour has come to rekindle the flame of authenticity. To forsake
the echoes of pagan practices and rediscover the teachings of ያሁአ,
untainted by imperialism's touch. An awakening beckons – a return to
the true spiritual customs that once adorned the Horn of Africa. This
awakening promises unity, resilience, and a restored connection to the
divine.
But in the midst of this struggle for authenticity, a leader has
emerged from the Ethiopian elite, a leader whose hands are stained
with the blood of innocence. Honoring the oath of his predecessors, he
perpetuates a cycle of sacrifice – a sacrifice of people for the
imperialist agenda, a desire to control the region's resources. As we
search our hearts and our history, let us be aware of these patterns
and their consequences.
Let the words of Ezekiel resonate within us. Let ያሁአ's message be
heard: "Repent and turn away from your idols, and stop all your
detestable sins... Then you will know that I am ያሁአ."
May this awakening be our guide, leading us back to ያሁአ's embrace,
safeguarding our heritage, and ushering in an era of unity, strength,
and divine favor once more. The choice is ours to make – to heed the
call of ያሁአ and reclaim our spiritual legacy.
Contact us at: monastery@chashah.fyi or visit our website at: www.chashah.org
Thank you for your support.
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