Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Worship - an interview with Deacon Henok Negash

In this fascinating deep dive into Ethiopian Orthodox chant and theology, Deacon Henok offers a rare insider's view of the Tewahedo tradition—an ancient Afro-Asiatic form of Christianity with rich liturgical practices, poetic chant, and distinctive theology. Host Matthew Wilkinson and Deacon Henok explore everything from the structure of the Ethiopian liturgy and the use of sacred instruments like the sistrum and kabaro drum, to the complexities of Ge’ez chant and the creation of one-time-use poetic verses composed and memorized weekly. Henok explains the centuries-old school of poetry and exegesis in Aksum, where students train in sacred language, theology, and chant. (The Pursuit of Beauty Podcast Episode 17) The conversation also highlights Akwakwam, the choreographed, instrumentally accompanied vigils that take place before major feast days—alongside an explanation of the ancient chant system developed by Saint Yared, the 6th-century Ethiopian composer and mystic. Henok reflects on the vibrancy and challenge of maintaining this rich tradition in the modern Ethiopian Church, including differing parish practices, missionary efforts abroad, and the realities of post-imperial Ethiopia. Listeners get an inside look at fasting customs, veneration of the Ark of the Covenant, and cultural habits—like widespread circumcision and Sabbath observance—that retain echoes of ancient Semitic life. The conversation also traces Ethiopia’s unique Christology (Tewahedo/Miaphysitism), the preservation of sacred books like Enoch and Jubilees, and the church’s musical taxonomy—from ancient Mazmur to modern lay chant. With reflections on Orthodox liturgical rhythms, Ethiopian fasting, and missionary efforts from Africa to the Caribbean, this interview offers a rare bridge between ancient tradition and modern expression. Whether you're a scholar, musician, or curious Christian, this is an essential introduction to one of the world’s oldest and most mystically rich Christian traditions. Deacon Henok's channel:    / @philosophyofartandscience   twitter: https://x.com/he_negash?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/he_negash?u... my sites: 💻 Website and blog: https://matthewwilkinson.net/ 🔒 BECOME A PATRON:   / matthewwilkinsonmusic