Asmara - November 16 2009

 

Today I will witness a festival around the Saint Georgis Orthodox Church in Gejeret. Hundreds of people have gathered around and in the church, singing religious songs, and saying prayers. Western churches should be jealous about so much visitors and devotion.

Careful, and with respect I maneuver through the crowd. I ask if it is okay to enter the church. No problem, if I take off my shoes before entering. For half an hour I watch the service. Priests and monks leaning on their walking stick sing monotone songs.

After the service there is a procession around the church. Following the priests making pictures, I get struck on the stairs of the church, right between the monks, who don't care. The crowd makes it impossible to leave the place anyway.

"Sit down" one of the monks says to me. Up stage I witness their songs, while they shake their sistrum to separate the lines of their prayers. The sistrum is a religious rhythm instrument. A metal frame with small metal disks in between that rattle when the instrument is shaken.

The priest next to me explains what's the song about. I feel very honored to be so close to the monks. I watch the service looking down on the public. And nobody cares.

 

Nigdet Saint Georgis Orthodox Church - Gejeret Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet Saint Georgis Orthodox Church - Gejeret Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet Saint Georgis Orthodox Church - Gejeret Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet Saint Georgis Orthodox Church - Gejeret Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet Saint Georgis Orthodox Church - Gejeret Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet Saint Georgis Orthodox Church - Gejeret Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet Saint Georgis Orthodox Church - Gejeret Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet Saint Georgis Orthodox Church - Gejeret Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet Saint Georgis Orthodox Church - Gejeret Asmara Eritrea.

Young boy with sistrum. Nigdet Saint Georgis
 Orthodox Church - Gejeret Asmara Eritrea.