Songs and Stories

The “Kesate Berhan” hymn is a joyful hymn honoring St. Frumentius, known as Abba Salama, the “Revealer of Light,” and Ethiopian children enjoy singing it! In churches like Aksum’s St. Mary of Zion or Lake Tana’s monasteries, it is said to include words like praising Abba Salama for bringing Christ’s dawn to Ethiopia. People clap and sway, often with drums, celebrating how he shared the faith. One child said, “It’s like praising a light that never fades!”

Tradition says hymns honoring Abba Salama began long ago to celebrate his role in bringing faith to Ethiopia after baptizing King Ezana. On his feast day, August 2, monks and families sing it loudly, their voices rising like the Simien Mountains. One story says a choir sang a hymn for Abba Salama’s intercession during a drought, and rain fell, showing God’s grace through his prayers. For Ethiopian children, it’s a hymn honoring Abba Salama; for Coptic children, it’s a missionary song tied to their history. Its simple tune makes church feel like a celebration.

The “Kesate Berhan” hymn keeps Abba Salama’s story alive. It’s more than words—it’s a way to honor his intercession, reflecting his holy light. Children can hum it and feel God’s peace through his prayers, as if Abba Salama is guiding them to Christ. Through this hymn, he remains Ethiopia’s beloved saint today.