የቅዱስ ያሬድ ሊቅነት በዓለም ላይ እንደሚታየው ከሰው ልጆች የዕውቀት ገበታ የተቀዳ በአንድ የትምሕርት

መስክ ላይ ያተኮረ ውስን ምድራዊ ዕውቀት ሳይሆን ለዕውቀቱ ወደር ከሌለው ለጥበቡ አምሳያ ከማይገኝለት
ከእግዚአብሔር ያገኘው ከመላእክት የተማረው ነው፡፡ ስለዚህ ቅዱስ ያሬድ ለቤተክርስቲያን ጌጥ ለነገረ
መለኮት አስተምሮዋ መምህር ነው፡፡ የኢትዮጵያ ኦርቶዶክስ ተዋህዶ ቤተክርስቲያንን ያለ ቅዱስ ያሬድ
ለደቂቃ ማሰብ ከባድ ነው፡፡ ብሉይን ከሐዲስ አስማምቶ ምሳሌዉን ከአማናዊ አገናኘቶ በተማረው ዜማ
አስውቦ ትውልዱ በተመስጦ በምድር ሆኖ ሰማይ እንዲደርስ የቅድስት ሥላሴን መንበር ያስጎበኘ
የቤተክርሰቲያን ዕንቁ የዓለም የዜማ ፈርጥ ነው፡፡

ቅዱስ ያሬድ በትምህርቶቹ ሁሉ ነገረ መለኮትን በሰፊው ይተነትናል፤ በጥዑመ ዜማ አጅቦ በትርጓሜ ምስጢሩን
አጉልቶ አስፍቶ ያስተምራል ከዚህም የተነሳ አበው ባሕረ ጥበባት ብለዉ ይጠሩታል፡፡ በዚህ አጭር ጽሑፍ
ቅዱስ ያሬድ ከደረሳቸው ድርሰቶች ውስጥ አንዱ የሆነውን ጾመ ድጓ ከምኩራብ እስከ ኒቆድሞስ ያለውን ክፍል
በመመርኮዝ ሊቁ በጽሑፉ ውስጥ ለነገረ መለኮት፣ ለሥነ ታሪክ፣ ለሥነ ከዋክብት /አስትሮኖሚ፣ ለአየር
ንብረት ጥናት/Metrology ያበረከተውን አስተዋጽዖ በአጭሩ እንቃኛለን፡፡

The Priesthood Through the Life and Hagiography of St. Yared: A Theological and
Pastoral Reflection in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

1. Introduction
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) is a unique guardian of ancient
Christian traditions, with its theology, liturgy, and spirituality deeply rooted in Scripture
and sacred tradition. Among its most cherished treasures are the hagiographies (Gädlat)
of saints, which serve as spiritual mirrors for the faithful. One of the most venerated
figures in this tradition is St. Yared, a sixth-century composer, theologian, and mystic,
known for inventing the Ethiopian liturgical chant system and for his angelic vision of
heavenly worship.

The Gädlä Yared, or the Hagiography of St. Yared, is not merely a biography but a
theological text that reveals the sanctity and priestly mission embodied in a life wholly
consecrated to divine service. Though St. Yared is not referred to as a “priest” in a
sacramental sense, his life and legacy express the essence of priesthood: worship,
intercession, teaching, and sanctity.

This study explores how the priesthood is presented through the life and hagiography of
St. Yared, examining its historical context, theological foundations, roles, symbols, moral
demands, and its continued relevance to the spiritual and pastoral life of the Ethiopian
Orthodox Tewahedo Church today.

“He did not invent music, but rather revealed the divine music that
was hidden from the ears of men.”
— Gädlä Yared, Geʽez Manuscript, Dabra Gol St. Yared Collection
(c. 13th century)

2. Historical Overview
St. Yared lived during the sixth century in the Aksumite Kingdom, a flourishing Christian
empire in Ethiopia. He was born in Axum in 505 AD into a priestly family of the Tribe of
Levi. Orphaned at a young age, he struggled academically and was eventually abandoned
by his teachers. According to his hagiography, Yared experienced divine intervention
after witnessing a worm persistently climbing a tree—an event that taught him the value
of perseverance. This moment marked his spiritual awakening and led him to dedicate
himself to prayer and study.

Yared's life is especially significant for his contribution to the liturgical and musical
tradition of the Church. He developed the sacred music system known as the 'Zema',
which includes the Deguwa, Tsome Deguwa, and Mewasit. These compositions form the
foundation of Ethiopian Orthodox liturgical chant and are deeply interwoven with the
Church’s understanding of worship and priesthood.

Though not ordained in the typical clerical hierarchy, Yared fulfilled a priestly role
through his divine inspiration, musical innovation, and liturgical leadership. His influence
extended to the imperial court of King Gebre Meskel, where he performed his chants and
was honored for elevating the spiritual life of the nation.

After years of service, Yared withdrew from public life to pursue asceticism, a gesture
that reflected humility and a deeper devotion to God. He passed away around 571 AD
and was later canonized by the Church. His life became a model of spiritual priesthood,
devotion, and liturgical excellence.

3. Theological Foundations
The theological foundation of the priesthood in the life of St. Yared is expressed
primarily through his function as a mediator between the divine and the earthly. The
Gädlä Yared emphasizes his divine calling and angelic vision, suggesting a priestly role
rooted not in institutional ordination, but in spiritual revelation and divine appointment.
Yared is portrayed as having ascended to the heavenly realm during worship, where he
was taught the sacred chant by angels. This mystical experience underlines the idea that
true liturgical service is a heavenly act, and the priest is a participant in divine mysteries.
Yared’s role as a composer of Zema further cements his theological significance.
Worship, in Ethiopian theology, is not mere ceremony but a sacrificial offering of praise.
As the one who structured this offering, Yared stands as a prototype of the liturgical
priest—offering music as incense before God. His compositions also emphasize
repentance, intercession, and sanctification, echoing the biblical roles of priests who
offered sacrifices and blessings on behalf of the people (cf. Hebrews 5:1-4).

Thus, Yared’s life reveals a theology of priesthood grounded in holiness, service, and
direct communion with God—a model still venerated in Ethiopian Orthodox spirituality.

4. Roles and Responsibilities of the Priest

St. Yared's primary liturgical role was that of a composer and leader of worship. He not
only established the structure of church chant but also guided the performance of the
liturgy. His responsibilities mirrored those of the priest: preparing the faithful for divine
communion, leading prayers, and fostering spiritual unity. Through his work, he fulfilled
the pastoral duty of educating and uplifting the congregation.

In many monasteries and churches, the priest uses Yared’s compositions to guide the
faithful through the liturgical calendar, using the Zema to highlight themes of repentance,
joy, and hope. Yared’s role as a spiritual educator also echoes the priest’s duty to teach,
correct, and nurture the people of God. Though he withdrew from public life, this act
itself served as a model of spiritual retreat and renewal—essential for the priest’s soul-
care and integrity.

5. Moral and Spiritual Requirements

The Gädlä Yared places strong emphasis on moral purity and ascetic discipline. Yared is
portrayed as a man of prayer, fasting, and humility. These virtues are essential for the
Ethiopian Orthodox priest, who is expected to be a vessel of holiness. Yared’s
perseverance, especially in the face of rejection and failure, also demonstrates spiritual
maturity.

His visionary experience was only possible because of his inward purity—a consistent
theme in the Church’s understanding of priestly preparation. Fasting, silence, and solitude
are all moral practices emphasized in Yared’s life and expected in today’s clergy.

6. Symbols, Garments, and Rituals

St. Yared is often depicted wearing liturgical vestments while chanting before the ark,
symbolizing purity and priestly dignity. His Zema functions as a liturgical garment—
clothing the worship in divine sound. The use of the sistrum, drums, and kebero in his
musical tradition connects sound with sacred space and priestly function.
Though the Gädl does not detail ordination rituals, it implies that Yared’s authority was
affirmed through divine encounter and angelic commissioning. This highlights the
spiritual ordination that precedes any ecclesial function.

7. Challenges, Warnings, or Corruptions

Yared's early rejection and abandonment serve as a warning against pride and judgment
within religious communities. The humility he demonstrated upon gaining favor—
choosing to withdraw from public honor—is a rebuke of clerical pride. The Gädl subtly
warns against using spiritual gifts for personal gain, a temptation for many clergy.

It also reminds priests that true authority comes from God, not from social position or
institutional approval.

8. Practical Implications for Today

The life of St. Yared provides a powerful template for modern priesthood in the
Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Priests are called to be worship leaders, spiritual educators,
and humble servants. Yared's liturgical innovation urges priests to embrace both tradition
and creativity. His withdrawal teaches the importance of retreat and reflection.

In a world full of noise and distraction, the spiritual discipline modeled by Yared is vital
for priests today. Training programs should include not only theology and liturgics but
also silence, music, and mystical spirituality.

9. Conclusion
St. Yared’s hagiography reveals that priesthood is not merely an office but a spiritual
calling to lead people into the mystery of God. His life embodies the virtues and duties of
priesthood—worship, teaching, sacrifice, and sanctification. Through music and
asceticism, he channeled divine grace to the Church.

Today’s priests can look to St. Yared as a model of humility, creativity, and spiritual
depth. His story remains a living theology of priesthood in the Ethiopian Orthodox
Tewahedo Church.
1. Introduction

The hagiographies (Gädlat) of St. Yared (c. 505–571 AD) are among the most revered
texts in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). These sacred biographies
recount the life, spiritual struggles, and divine revelations of St. Yared, the legendary
composer of the Ethiopian liturgical chant system (Zema). His contributions to the
Church’s worship, theology, and priestly tradition remain foundational to this day.

The priesthood in the EOTC is deeply intertwined with St. Yared’s legacy. His
hagiographies present the priest not merely as a liturgical functionary but as a divinely
appointed mediator, teacher, and ascetic. This paper examines how St.
Yared’s Gädl defines the priesthood, its theological significance, liturgical duties, moral
requirements, and its enduring relevance for modern clergy.
 2. Historical Overview

2.1 The Emergence of the Priesthood in St. Yared’s Time

The 6th century, when St. Yared lived, was a formative period for Ethiopian Christianity.
The Axumite Empire had already embraced Christianity in the 4th century under King
Ezana, and by Yared’s time, monasticism and liturgical worship were flourishing. The
Nine Saints (missionary monks from the Byzantine Empire) had strengthened the
Church’s theological and liturgical foundations, influencing Yared’s spiritual formation.

2.2 Key Figures in St. Yared’s Priesthood Tradition

 Abba Gedeon: St. Yared’s teacher, a monk who disciplined him in prayer, fasting, and
sacred study.

 King Gabra Masqal: The Axumite ruler who supported Yared’s liturgical reforms.

 The Nine Saints: Their monastic tradition shaped Yared’s ascetic and liturgical
spirituality.

St. Yared’s hagiographies depict him as a model priest—mystic, scholar, and musician—
whose life set the standard for Ethiopian clergy.

3. Theological Foundations of the Priesthood

The priesthood in St. Yared’s Gädl is rooted in several key theological concepts:

3.1 Divine Calling and Ordination

St. Yared’s hagiography describes his calling through visions of angels and the Holy
Trinity, emphasizing that priesthood is not a human appointment but a divine
election. This aligns with Hebrews 5:4: "No one takes this honor upon himself, but he
receives it when called by God."

3.2 The Priest as Mediator and Intercessor

Like Moses and Aaron in the Old Testament, the priest in Yared’s tradition stands
between God and the people, offering prayers, sacrifices (especially the Eucharist), and
blessings.
 3.3 Sacrificial and Ascetic Life

St. Yared’s extreme fasting, vigils, and poverty reflect the priestly ideal of self-denial
(Matthew 16:24). His hagiography warns that a priest must "die to the world" to serve
God fully.

4. Roles and Responsibilities of the Priest

4.1 Liturgical Roles

 Leading the Sacraments (Qurban, Baptism, Confession)

 Chanting the Deggua, Zema, and Qidasse (liturgical hymns and anaphoras)

 Preserving the traditional musical modes (Ge’ez, Ezel, Araray)

4.2 Pastoral Duties

 Teaching the faithful (especially through homilies, Dersanat)

 Spiritual guidance (confession, counseling)

 Visiting the sick and needy (modeled after Christ’s ministry)

4.3 Community Leadership

 Resolving disputes (Fetha Negest principles)

 Preserving Orthodox doctrine against heresies

 Educating future clergy in monastic schools (Qene Bet)

5. Moral and Spiritual Requirements

St. Yared’s hagiographies emphasize:

 Holiness: "A priest must be blameless, as God’s steward" (Titus 1:7).

 Fasting and Prayer: Priests must follow Yared’s example of weekly fasting
(Wednesday and Friday) and nightly vigils.

 Humility: Despite his fame, Yared lived simply, avoiding pride—a key warning for
modern clergy.
 6. Symbols, Vestments, and Rituals

6.1 Sacred Vestments

 Kobe (robe): Symbolizes purity (Revelation 19:8).

 Netela (shawl): Represents humility.

 Hand-cross (Mäqwämiya): Sign of authority and blessing.

6.2 Liturgical Instruments

 Sistrum (Tsenatsel): Used in chanting, symbolizing angelic worship.

 Prayer Staff (Mekwamia): Represents spiritual support.

6.3 Ordination Rituals

 Laying on of hands (Acts 6:6)

 Anointing with Holy Oil (Meron)

 Investiture with vestments

7. Challenges and Warnings for Priests

St. Yared’s hagiographies caution against:

 Negligence in Liturgy: A priest who abandons prayer "loses his grace."

 Greed and Corruption: "The love of money corrupts the soul" (1 Timothy 6:10).

 Pride: Yared’s humility contrasts with clerical arrogance.

8. Practical Implications for Today

8.1 Liturgical Training

 Seminaries must teach St. Yared’s Zema authentically.

 Priests should master Ge’ez language and chant traditions.

8.2 Pastoral Renewal

 Balancing administration with spiritual mentorship.

 Reviving monastic disciplines (fasting, prayer).

8.3 Combating Modern Challenges

 Secularization: Upholding Orthodox traditions in a changing world.

 Materialism: Avoiding greed, following Yared’s asceticism.

9. Conclusion

The hagiographies of St. Yared provide a timeless model for the priesthood—
combining liturgical excellence, pastoral care, and ascetic devotion. For the Ethiopian
Orthodox Tewahedo Church today, his legacy reminds priests of their divine calling,
moral obligations, and spiritual duties. By embracing St. Yared’s example, modern
clergy can ensure the Church’s continuity and holiness for future generations.

References

Additional Sources:

 Dersane Mikail (Homilies of Archangel Michael).

 Zema Marawi (Advanced Chant Studies).

 Interviews with EOTC clergy (Addis Ababa, 2023).