Berhan – ብርሀን (Light)

‘Berhan- ብርሀን’: The week of Berhan (Light) covers the time between Tahisas 12 and 21 (December 21-27). During this week, we fast and prepare with Great Expectation for the coming of The Light of The World in the Spirit of Penitence and Hopefulness. The Liturgy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church during this time also focuses on Biblical Readings and Hymns (Mezmurs) that recounts the coming of The TRUE LIGHT the Eternally-Begotten Son of God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, Our Lord and Savior Eyesus Kristos.

The Fast of the Prophets is also known as:

1. The Fast of the Prophets

2. The Fast of Adam

3. The Fast of the Apostle Philip

Berhan is a time to preach about the true light, Eyesus Kristos, as Saint John the Evangelist testified.

John 1: 1-11

"That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."

Every year, the Ethiopian Church recognizes the clear prophetic statements that foretold the coming of Eyesus Kristos for the salvation of mankind. The Church celebrates one of the feasts of Our Lord in four consecutive weeks known as:

• Sibket (Prophetic Announcement)

• Berhan (Light)

• Nolawi (Shepherd)

• Lidet (Birth)

The coming of Eyesus Kristos the Son of God, was indeed foretold by the Prophets of the Old Testament hundreds of years before his Incarnation of the Holy Virgin Mariam. He is the Light of Salvation and eternal life to those who believe.

Isaiah 42:6

“I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;”

Isaiah 49:6

“And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”

Isaiah 60:1

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”

John 8:12

“Then spake Eyesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

HYMN OF PRAISE FOR HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM (MONDAY)

“Thou Light, Who in truth illuminates all men who dwell in the world, because of Thy love for man Thou hast come into the world.”

Believers of Our Lord and Savior Eyesus Kristos, be the light and tell to others the Good News of Salvation. This season shows to us the amazing mystery of God's infinite love. Remember to never allow decorative and colored lights to replace the true eternal light we receive by the coming of Our Lord and Savior Eyesus Kristos, Amen.

Let it be His will to allow us to reach the blessed day of His Birth!!