We Also Encounter the Chiret

(Continued) 👆🏾 We also encounter the "Chiret" (ጭረት) symbol, which denotes a quick movement within the melody, reflecting the urgency and swiftness of God's action. The "Rikrik" (ርክርክ) symbol encourages us to lengthen our spiritual melodies, reminding us of the eternal sacrifice of Christ and the abundant grace He bestows upon us. Lastly, the "Deret" (ደረት) symbol, characterized by a powerful and resounding voice, signifies the Lord's ascension, urging us to exalt and proclaim His glory. Let us now explore some of the notable compositions of Saint Yared. "Dgwa,"(ድጓ) a song offered on Sundays and annual holidays, encompasses the Eucharistic celebration and conveys the profound mystery and joy of the Holy Communion. "Tsome Dgwa" (ጾመ ድጓ) refers to a specific variant of the song sung during the period of Abiy Lent, incorporating verses from Zawadah-Hosanna. Another remarkable composition is "Zimare," (ዝማሬ) which is performed after the Eucharist. "Mwaset"(መዋሥዕት) is a prayer for the departed, sung during funerals, while "Mieraf" (ምዕራፍ) is a composition sung in every chapter, symbolizing a place of rest. The works of Saint Yared are intricate and carry profound spiritual significance, inviting us to explore the depths of our faith. Saint Yared's spiritual journey continued as he traveled extensively, leaving an indelible mark on the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Saint Yared with his disciples Sawira, Eskender and Menker, embarked on a journey to the north, Semen Berh. They carried their hymn books and lived in the monastery by teaching hymns in the northern monastery. In one particularly extraordinary incident, Saint Yared entered the Axum Zion Church and placed his hands upon the sacred coffin. With a voice filled with reverence and awe, he uttered these words: "You are holy, you are blessed, you are praised; You are blessed. You are exalted, you are the ladder of light." As he recited his composition called "Anketse Berhan," (አንቀጸ ብርሃን) while singing the Ezl song, he ascended about an arm's length towards the heavens. This miraculous event left the psalmists astounded, and Saint Yared imparted his final words of guidance and farewell before retreating to a hidden cave, disappearing from this earthly realm. On the 11th of May, in the year 571 A.D., at the age of 66, Saint Yared departed from this temporal existence, leaving behind a spiritual legacy that continues to inspire and uplift the faithful even to this day. Dear brethren, as we reflect upon the life of Saint Yared, let us draw valuable lessons for our own spiritual journey. His unwavering commitment to education and perseverance in the face of challenges remind us of the importance of continuous learning and growth in our faith. Saint Yared's profound spiritual experiences and revelations underscore the transformative power of prayer and communion with God. Through his hymnodical compositions and symbols, Saint Yared invites us to elevate our worship, allowing our voices and melodies to be a conduit for spiritual expression. His compositions, rich with deep meaning and divine inspiration, serve as a reminder of the beauty and majesty of our Orthodox tradition. May we be inspired by the life and teachings of Saint Yared, remembering the importance of perseverance, unwavering faith, and an ardent pursuit of divine knowledge. Let us strive to cultivate a deep and vibrant spiritual life, expressing our devotion to God through worship and service. May Saint Yared's legacy continue to resonate within our hearts and guide us on our journey towards eternal communion with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always. May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen. © John's Repentance Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends: https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance