Saint Yared's angelic chant system endures unchanged for 1,500 years
What the video says
Saint Yared the Axumite, a sixth-century Ethiopian hymnographer, created the musical notation and hymnography still used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He founded the Mezmure or Mahlet tradition, which combines a cappella singing with instruments such as the sistrum, the janh, and the prayer staff.
Born in 505, Yared struggled for seven years under his uncle, the priest Gideon, until a caterpillar's seventh successful climb inspired him to complete his studies. He was later caught up to heaven, witnessed angelic worship, and composed the hymn Wazedima, which translates as a praise of God's glory filling heaven and earth.
Key moments
- Saint Yared the Axumite established the musical notation and hymnography used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in the sixth century.
- He founded the Mezmure or Mahlet tradition, combining a cappella singing with instruments like the sistrum, the janh, and the prayer staff.
- Yared was born in 505.
- As a boy he studied with his uncle, the priest Gideon, but failed to learn the Old and New Testament for seven years.
- A caterpillar climbing a tree seven times, succeeding on the seventh attempt, encouraged him to finish his studies in the seventh year.
- By the grace of God he was caught up to heaven and saw how the angels worshipped.
- Upon returning he created the hymn Wazedima, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
- Wazedima translates to: "Oh the melody which I heard in heaven from the angels, as they said, Holy, Holy, Holy is God, your glory fills heaven and earth."
The post addresses why Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo worship relies on sacred drums (Kebero), sistrums (Tsenatsel), and prayer staffs (Mekwamiya) rather than contemporary gospel music. Internet commentators, particularly Protestants, question this practice. The answer lies in sixth-century history: Saint Yared (505-571 AD) codified the Zema sacred music system after being caught up into heaven to hear angelic worship.
When the faithful sway with the Mekwamiya and strike the Kebero, they join the four living creatures and twenty-four elders surrounding the Throne of God. Deacon Mihret of the Burning Bush Podcast explains why Saint Yared's angelic chant system remains the direct continuation of Apostolic worship. The video summary adds that Yared founded the Mezmure or Mahlet tradition, combining a cappella singing with instruments such as the sistrum, the janh, and the prayer staff.
Born in 505, Yared struggled for seven years under his uncle, the priest Gideon, until a caterpillar's seventh successful climb inspired him to complete his studies. He was later caught up to heaven, witnessed angelic worship, and composed the hymn Wazedima, which translates as a praise of God's glory filling heaven and earth.
Main points
- Saint Yared (505-571 AD) codified the Zema sacred music system after a heavenly vision
- The Mezmure tradition combines a cappella singing with Kebero, Tsenatsel, and Mekwamiya
- Yared studied under his uncle, the priest Gideon, for seven years before a caterpillar's persistence inspired him
- The hymn Wazedima originated from Yared hearing angels chant "Holy, Holy, Holy is God, your glory fills heaven and earth"
- Deacon Mihret explains this system as the direct continuation of Apostolic worship