Asmara - November 21 2009

 

Today the Saint Michael Orthodox Church in the Sanita area will celebrate its yearly church feast, called Nigdet.

All Orthodox churches have a copy of the Arc of Covenant, that is kept in the church, guarded by a priest. One day every year the Arc of Covenant leaves the church to be shown to the faithful, by carrying it around the church within its compound.

Afraid to miss anything of the Saint Michael Festival, I make sure to be at the scene at 8:00. Religious books, candles, and other small items are sold by spreading them on blankets. Gift boxes for church support. Hands of old and handicapped people asking for charity.

I change a 100 Nakfa note in 100 one Nakfa notes to give to the people. The children also ask for a gift, but they should be learn to beg, and it would be lack of respect to those really in need to hand out the money so easy.

I see many familiar faces, and shake hands every once and a while.

Flowers and grass is draped on the steps of the church. Benches are set for the higher ranked priests.

At 9:00, after the prayers, a procession starts with men playing traditional instruments, and children singing religious songs. They are followed by monks and priests dressed in glittering robes. Among them the pope of the Eritrean Orthodox Church.

The public is kept on a distance by a guards of the Asmara municipality and church authorities. I am allowed to come closer to the stage, where I join the cameramen.

After the ceremony I am invited to the house of Semhar and her family, one of the employees of Asmara Grande Travel Agency, to have lunch.

 

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Nigdet of the St. Michael Church - Senita Asmara Eritrea.

Lunch with Semhar and her family - Asmara Eritrea.