Hymns that Changed the Church

In his youth, St. Yared poured his heart into an enduring work in Aksum: the Deggua, a collection of Ge’ez hymns honoring Christ, Mary, and saints. At St. Mary of Zion, surrounded by flickering lamps, he wove poetry into melodies that expressed deep devotion. Tradition says he sang a Deggua hymn at a Pascha feast, moving the crowd to tears, as if heaven rejoiced. Each note was a prayer, lifting souls closer to God with rhythms that touched the faithful.

The Deggua brought a transformation to Ethiopia’s worship. Before Yared, chants were simple, but his hymns added depth, telling Christ’s love through soaring verses. Tradition says a weary pilgrim, hearing Deggua at a church door, felt burdens lift, drawn closer to God’s presence. Priests used Deggua for liturgies from Christmas to Pentecost, spreading Yared’s gift beyond Aksum. For children today, Deggua is a gift of faith, its ancient words in church connecting them to Yared’s love for Christ.