Hymns that Changed the Church

St. Yared shared his music with debteras, the church’s singers, training them to carry his hymns to every village. In Aksum’s courtyards, he gathered young boys, teaching them Deggua’s lines and, tradition says, the sway of aquaquam dances, his voice patient but firm. Tradition says he clapped rhythms on a kebero drum, encouraging them with a smile, saying, “Sing for Christ, not for me.” Tradition says one debtera recalled Yared fixing his shaky tune with a hum, helping him feel encouraged.

Yared’s teaching built a legacy lasting centuries. Debteras spread his zema and hymns to Tigray, Gojjam, and beyond, filling churches with sacred chant. Tradition says a shy debtera froze during a feast but felt Yared’s guidance, singing with confidence. Yared’s gift made Ethiopia a land of sacred chant, and tradition says today’s debteras, even in diaspora churches, trace their art to him. Children can imagine Yared inspiring them, ready to teach a sacred hymn if they listen with faith.