Debtera

, a saint. Debteras are usually chosen from families of other debteras, and are trained from childhood as scribes While studying, they often live by begging, retailing, or practicing traditional medicine. though it is possible to pursue both roles. The Orthodox Tewahedo churches see the division between a priest and a debtera as following the model used by the ancient Israelites. Debteras in the Ethiopian Church During Lenten services, debteras tap prayer sticks to keep the rhythm. The Ethiopian Church condones the performances of debteras, citing the story in 2 Kings of David dancing at the temple and ("O clap your hands") for Biblical examples. These performances also feature symbols connected to the Passion of Jesus: the sistrum's swaying and the beating of the drums represent Christ's swaying while enduring beatings, and the tapping of the prayer sticks represent the flagellation of Christ. Among the Beta Israel Among the Beta Israel, the status of debtera is a milestone in the study to become a kahen. Unlike fully-fledged kahens, who perform none of the functions of the debtera, debteras are closer to the laypeople, often serving as intermediaries between them and the clergy. A kahen who gives up his position or is deposed may serve as a debtera. == Religio-magical healing ==

Debteras participate in liturgy as singers and musicians and, outside the Church religio-magical healers by performing as herbalists, astrologers, fortune-tellers etc. Some Ethiopian authors consider these healers as ‘spiritual healers’ whereas, they are purely religio-magical healers. Some duties taken on by Debteras are not sanctioned by the Ethiopian Church. Many debteras distribute contraceptive herbs to women and perform magic meant to perform contraceptive functions, in contradiction to the Ethiopian Church's modern official stances. Some are also reputed to study black magic invoking demons alongside their more benevolent official learning. Some practice (or rather circumvent) astrology, by giving unlucky people new stars by changing their names. This may be considered "cheating" by the locals, however. Some Debteras have also been noted to use jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) to cause hallucinations. Not all of the Debteras duties and cures are supernatural. Debteras place scarecrows in farm fields to protect them and shave heads to prevent head louse outbreaks. Before the Ethiopian Revolution, nobles would often hire Debteras to educate their children. Major theological difference in the healing practices of priests or kahens and debteras is that for the priests/kahens, sin versus virtue or evil spirits versus God is the basis for any sickness and healing. Therefore, they prescribe prayer, holy water, baptism, fasting, and penance as a remedy. For the debteras it is evil spirit versus human beings; almost all the sickness are possession of evil spirits or caused by evil spirits, therefore, prayer and holy water become the integral part of any ritualistic religious healing ceremony. Besides these, kitab or amulets are also prepared and give by them to be worn to ward away the evil spirits and the buda. On the other hand, the priests or kahens use the practice of confession, fasting, penance and Church attendance as a means of healing together with some sort of advice and guidance. The soul-father, called yenafs abbat, is a kind of family spiritual-doctor, common in many places makes frequent visits to the home and performs services as required. == See also ==