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Divine Liturgy
ቅዳሴ — Qidasse
The Holy Eucharistic Service of the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church
"This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." — Luke 22:19
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Service Information
📅 Every Sunday — Starting from 4:00 AM
📍 Location: 114 Mills St, Altona North VIC 3025
📞 Contact: +61 0478 911 703
👗 Dress Code: Modest attire. Women are requested to cover their head.
What is the Divine Liturgy?
The Divine Liturgy, known as Qidasse (ቅዳሴ) in Ge'ez, is the central and most sacred
act of worship in the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church. It is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist —
the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ — as instituted at the Last Supper.
The Liturgy is celebrated in Ge'ez, the ancient classical language of the Tigray
Orthodox Church, accompanied by the sacred chants of Zema (ዜማ) composed by
Saint Yared in the 6th century A.D. The Liturgy is a heavenly experience that unites the faithful
with God and with one another in the Holy Spirit.
Our church celebrates the Divine Liturgy according to the Anaphora of the Apostles
(ቅዳሴ ሐዋርያት), one of fourteen anaphoras used in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, as well as
other anaphoras on feast days.
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes."
— 1 Corinthians 11:26
Service Schedule
Every Sunday
4:00 AM — Morning Prayer
Matins (ሰቆቃወ ድንግል) and morning prayers begin the service
Every Sunday
5:00 AM — Divine Liturgy
The Holy Qidasse begins with Ge'ez chants and readings
Holy Days
Special Services
Timkat, Fasika, Lideta and other feast days have special liturgies
Duration
2–4 Hours
The full Liturgy with homily and communion typically takes 2–4 hours
What to Expect
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1
Arrival & Preparation
Arrive early. Remove shoes before entering the church (as it is holy ground).
Men and women are traditionally seated on opposite sides of the church.
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2
Morning Prayers & Readings (ሰቆቃ)
The service begins with Matins, the chanting of Psalms and readings from the
Scriptures in Ge'ez and Tigrigna.
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3
The Liturgy of the Word
Readings from the Epistles and Gospels are chanted. A sermon (homily) is delivered
by the priest in Tigrigna.
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4
The Liturgy of the Faithful (Qidasse)
The Anaphora begins — the sacred prayers of consecration are chanted over the
bread and wine, transforming them into the Body and Blood of Christ.
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5
Holy Communion (ቁርባን)
Baptised members who have confessed and fasted from midnight may receive
Holy Communion. Visitors are welcome to attend and observe.
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6
Blessing & Dismissal
The service concludes with a blessing from the priest and the distribution
of Qurban (blessed bread) to all who are present.
Preparing to Receive Holy Communion
To receive Holy Communion, members of the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church are expected to:
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Confession
Confess your sins to a spiritual father (Nessaha) before receiving Communion
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Fasting
Fast from midnight (no food or water) before receiving the Eucharist
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Baptism
Be baptised in the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo faith
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Prayer
Prepare with personal prayer and reading of scripture the night before
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Modest Dress
Wear clean, modest clothing. Women should cover their heads
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Reconciliation
Be at peace with others and free from serious unconfessed sin
Join Us This Sunday
114 Mills St, Altona North VIC 3025 · Service begins at 4:00 AM