Yared's Living Voice

St. Yared earned the title “Abuye Zema”—Father of Zema—for creating Ethiopia’s sacred music, an honor he holds as a saint. His chants, like Deggua and Me’eraf, are central to every liturgy, sung by priests and children in churches from Lalibela to diaspora communities. Tradition says Yared’s legacy inspires singers, guiding them to keep his music pure. Tradition says at a Timkat feast in Gondar, Yared's voice joined the choir, moving the crowd to tears of joy.

“Abuye Zema” shows Yared’s work endures. In Ethiopian churches, his zema shapes worship, and tradition. From ancient Aksum to today’s world, “Abuye Zema” reminds children that Yared’s songs are a path to worship Christ, one they can follow by lifting their voices.