Nyahbinghi Order

H.I.M Haile Selassie I Moral Theocracy Reign
Ancient Order of Nyahbinghi
Shashemene, Ethiopia

Come Praise King Ras Tafari, For He is King of the Kings!

Upon His Majesty Ras Tafari `s head are many
diadems and on His garment a name written,
"King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

Oh come let us adore Him for
He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The
Conquering Lion of Judah,
The
Elect of Himself
And
The Light of the world

GREETINGS TO THE WORLD

I greet you all in the Mighty name of Emperor Haille Selassie I, Power of the Holy Trinity, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah, Elect of Yahweh Elohim Sabbath 225th of King Solomon of Jerusalem, the church of Haille Selassie I, the church is based upon rituals dating back to the days and time of Moses in the wilderness, the early emergence of Rastafari was unable to document our established way of worshipping, our development was hindered by the lack of academic education and material resources amongst grassroots people. Rastafari livety is a livety that has been greatly misunderstood, the movement has suffered various persecutions over the years but especially in it's early years upto the late 50's and early 60's, many writers have written books about our faith in Rastafari whilst some are doing this for genuine historic reasons others are merely doing this with a motive to make a profit from the many books they hope to sell. The question of repatriation and reparation " YES " the question of repatriation from the Europeans and Americans from the institution of the vile slave trade which arrested and has since retarded Africa. Growth is now being seriously addressed and it is looking increasingly likely that with concentrated efforts by both Diasporans and African governments several concessions will shortly be made, the first and foremost demand being the cancellation of African debt followed by compensation to Africa for the loss of her human resources, as you can well see the sums involved will be enormous and properly utilized can bring massive influence to bear on the development and progress of Africa. Repatriation as a part of the development processes been tried and tested been found to be successful in Japan, India, Israel and China.
These four nations have had spectacular results as attested by current standing in the spheres of world politics and international trade, not only have they facilitated the repatriation of their people, whatever length of absence from their homeland but they have designed and implemented rigorous recruitment campaigns.

Africa has been devastated by war and cataclysmic natural disasters andneeds the services and care of well trained doctors and social workers, the Diaspora abound with social and medical staff who are sorely needed in the Motherland, Human resources are the prerequisites of any venture to address the ill of our Motherland. Doctors, Nurses, Technicians, Artisans, Teachers etc. all are needed and there is severe shortage of all throughout Africa.

I-CEPTS OF RASTAFARI

From the study of the Holy Bible, the history of man on earth and the universal love of mankind, and since Almighty God

has placed no limitations on man's faculties, the Rastafari Brethren's and Sistrens have derived their I-ceptions based

upon the divinity of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Sellassie I.

All Rastafari brethren hold sacred these basic I-cepts of the culture, to which we offer Biblical and Historical

reference; particularly the recorded history of Ethiopia.

"I-CEPTIONS"

That H.I.M. Emperor Haile Sellassie I of Ethiopia is the returned Messiah, the God Head, and the Ancient of Days.
That all the African peoples brought to the western hemisphere through the advent of European slave trading,whose progeny still survives, have the inherent rights to demand their repatriation back to the African continent if so desired.
All costs and reparations should be contributed by nations that participated in the nefarious practices of African slave trading. That Ethiopia is an integral part of the Garden of Eden, as recorded in the book of Genesis.

THE IMPERIAL CORONATION OF HIS AND HER IMPERIAL MAJESTIES

The History of European nations trading African slaves to the western hemisphere is well recorded in history. The scattering and gathering of the African slaves are prophesied in the scriptures.

Isaiah Chapter 43, verses 5 to 7- "Fear not for I am with thee, I will bring thy seed from the east and gather thee from the west. I will say unto the north, give up, and to the south keep not back. Bring my sons from far and my daughters from the ends of the earth, even everyone that is called by my name Rastafari.

Isaiah Chapter 49, verse 1- "Listen 0 isles unto me; and harken ye people from far. The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath He made mention of my name Rastafari.

Isaiah Chapter 51, verse 5- "My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and my arms shall judge the people. The isles shall wait upon me and on my arm shall they trust."

Isaiah Chapter 60, verse 9- "Surely the isles shall wait for me and the ships of Tar shish first, to bring thy sons from far. Their silver and their gold with them unto the name of the Lord thy God, unto the Holy one of Israel, because He hath glorified them."

Hebrews Chapter 11, verse14- "And they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country; and truly if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned."

It is written that princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands unto God. It is also written "Are thee not like the Ethiopians unto me; 0 ye children of Israel?"
Genesis Chapter 2, verses 10 to 14- "And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; arid from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. The name of the first is Psion; that is it which compasses the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good; there is bdellium and the Onyx stone.

And the name of the second river is Gihon; the same is it that compasses the whole land of Ethiopia. And the name of the third river is Hiddekel; that is it which goes towards the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates."

Isaiah Chapter 43, verse 3,

"For I am the Lord thy God. The Holy One of Israel; thy Savior. I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. "Ethiopia is the cradle of mankind's civilization; indeed Ethiopia is the only existing country in the world since recorded history with its continuous original name, location, peoples and ethos, which has existed throughout the millennium to the present times. These I-cepts mentioned above, are that which unites the Rastafari Sons and Dawtas. Since Ethiopia has the longest and earliest continuous biblical recorded history of any nation on this planet earth, that caused successive Italian military invasion, blessed by the Roman Catholic Pontiff, to suppress Ethiopian authenticity of recorded facts of history and biblical liturgy.
These invasions by the Italians were deliberate attempts to destroy and obliterate the lineage of the Solomon Dynasty; perpetuated by progeny to H.I.M. Emperor Haile Sellassie I.
Both incursions failed miserably as prophesied in the book of Revelations. "That these shall make war with the lamb, but the lamb shall overcome them, for He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords."

ordance"

On the November 2, 1930, the Prince Regent Rastafari Makonnen of Ethiopia was crowned as H. I. M. Emperor Haile Sellassie I, King of Kings, Lords of Lords, Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah, Incense of the Virgin, Keeper of the Faith of the Dynasty of Judah, Keeper of the Faith of the Dynasty of David, and the Elect of God.

The significance of the name Haile Sellassie means the Power of the Trinity. Emperor Haile Sellassie I is the 225th king in lineage to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. This ancestry is of direct descent from King David and the Queen Bathsheba (3,500 B.C.) H.I.M. Emperor Haile Sellassie I traces his dynasty to Kush (6,500 B.C.), And beyond that to Ori (10,000 B.C.) Prior to recorded European civilization. Emperor Haile Sellassie I is the 66th king of Ethiopia of the House of Judah since the 13th century restoration.

Saint Matthew Chapter 1 "The genealogy from Abraham to Christ.

Psalm 97, verse 1- "The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof."

Revelations Chapter 5, verse 5- "And one of the elders saith unto me weep not; behold the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book and loose the seven seals thereof."

Revelations Chapter 17, verse 14- "These shall wage war with the lamb, but the lamb shall overcome them for he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings."

Revelations Chapter 19, verse 16- "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords."

Revelations Chapter 22, verse 16- "I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star."

A place where I n I gather Brethren's and Sistren and children to give thanks and praises to our God, and King Emperor Haille Selassie I. As our Spiritual Leader, I n I is none Ogresses. I will praise thee I Lord of Lords with my whole heart for thou hast heard all the words of my mouth, before thy Angels will I n I sing praises unto thee, and I will worship towards thy Holy temple, let thy Priests be clothed with righteousness and thy Saints shout for joy. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean, wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin, cleanse thou me from secret faults, keep back thy servant from presumptuous sins. Thou gavest them the bread of heaven, man did eat Angel food.

I will wash hands in innocence, so will I compass thine Alter. I Lord of Lords I went about and offered sacrifice within his tabernacle and rejoiced in it, thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over, I will take the cup of life, and call upon the name of the Lord of Lords. Thy mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of Jah for ever. I Lord send prosperity, glory be to Father and to Son and to the Holy Spirit world without end, Jah Rastafari, SELAH.

Article 15 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

Africa is undoubtedly the homeland of Black in the Diaspora and the diasporians have conclusive historical proof that they left these shores unwillingly and brutally, and have the moral and racial right to return, the fact that some diasporan's have traced their African's family roots should not lead to unrealistic demand's that Diasporan's in general do so before qualifying for status.

There is also the question of the money put aside by Queen Victoria for the repatriation of slaves from British Colonies, that money has now been estimated to have grown to a sizable 20,000,000 sterling, which would go a long way to financing a genuine repatriation and resettlement programme it is quite clear that this issue should be dealt with a United Africa Organ and the U.N. Levels but it is also clear that initial impetus must come from the national governments of Africa.

Nyahbinghi Ethiopia Tabanacle

The Shashemene Tabernacle, built with funds from the international Rastafari community, stands as a rallying point for the worldwide movement. Rastafari brethren, Sistren, and visitors from all corners of the earth stop off at the Tabernacle, where regular Nyahbinghi celebrations are held on Rastafari Feast days and throughout the year. The quarters on the grounds are home to several elders who have repatriated to Ethiopia, including Bongo Rocky, Sister Baby-I, Ras Rupert and until recently, Ras Hezekiah, who sadly passed on in December 2001. The influence of the elders coming home and establishing a devotional center in the community has had a positive impact on Rastafari and Ethiopians alike. The Shashemene community has been strengthened by their presence. The elders have also increased the honor, dignity and respect that most Ethiopians have for Rastafari.At present the Rastafari Tabernacle is in urgent need of repairs to roof, windows, general fittings and security. A detailed estimate of repair and completion costs, signed by the elders, shows in excess of £4,000. Maintenance of the Tabernacle Quarters and the day-to-day living expenses of the elders is also a responsibility that falls on the international community. Shashemene, with all its potential and its problems, is the gift of His Imperial Majesty, not only to the Rastafari movement who have taken up the challenge of Repatriation, but to the Black people of the Diaspora, those wishing to return to live in Ethiopia. The cry of the community, for support and solidarity as a front-line force in Africa, echoes across decades. Now more than ever that cry must be answered.

(TEXT WAS TAKEN FROM THE RASTAFARI SPEAKS MAGAZINE)

Centenary Committee for Rastafari. ( Tabernacle Building Project )

The centenary Committee for Rastafari, is the name of the coordinating committee that initiated the works of the Centenary celebration of H.I.M Emperor Haile Selassie I, here in Ethiopia, for a month long programme in 1992 .The success of this, the first international delegation of Rastafari Faithful to reach Ethiopia, made history, Stimulated the interest in Ethiopia, and rekindled the reality of Repatriation.

During the week long programme that took place on the Shashamane land grant which consisted of three nights of Nyahbinghi. A special reasoning took place on the 24th -27th July' 92. Present at this reasoning were representatives of all the main houses of the Faith. Here the unanimous conclusion reached, was the desire for a permanent tabernacle , with male and female quarters to be build and completed as a permanent symbol in hour of the Centenary of His Imperial Majesty.

This task was give to the Centenary Committee, in recognition of the positive works initiated in coordinating the event.

The task to build a permanent structure for the worship of His Imperial Majesty, was initiated in 1995, with the launch of an international fund raising drive, whereby the tabernacle certificate was launched as the ways and the means by which the C.C, would generate funds in order to fulfill its objectives.

By November of the same year two of the members of the C.C, embarked for Ethiopia to start the physical works of breaking the ground and laying the foundation.

To date the Tabernacle building stands with its main infrastructure, being the huge circular Building stands strong, (Although not totally completed, but fully activated) with it Male Quarters completed. The Tabernacle his home for three Ancient elders of the Nyahbinghi house (from Jamaica) who are residing on its grounds, along with many members of the Faith in and around the Shashamane community here in Ethiopia.

The Tabernacle continues to attract large numbers of annual pilgrims who make the journey regularly in order to celebrate the Holy days of the Rastafari calendar. Two members of the original C.C core, reside permanently in Shashamane and are active in the projects direction and destiny.

I&I of the C.C give thanks to the most I for the Vision, insight and the inspiration, that has made this project, a reality.

1. What is the Nyahbinghi order of Rastafari

By definition: The Nyahbinghi order of Rastafari is the original expression of Rastafari, from its advent in 1930. It represents the roots and foundation from where all the others house and mansion of the faith came forth.

The Name Nyahbinghi has its origin from an anti-colonial movement in Uganda, who's spiritual head ( Queen Nyahbinghi), vowed the removal of all colonial forces from the land. After passing, the spirit of Nyahbinghi was evoked and filled her followers who continue the fight against the colonialist.

The elders of the Rastafari Faith, adapted this name, on learning of a secret meeting, were his majesty was declared the head of the movement whose aim was to was to likewise free the continent of Africa of all colonial forces.

The word Nyahbinghi, utters - " Death to Black and white oppressors", in other words, it chants the destruction of all evil doers, none partially.

The word Nyahbinghi also denotes the gathering of the faithful, with drums(harps), Songs and chant. This gathering takes place in a Africa setting with the alter being the Centre piece, and the fire alter inside and outside serve as a permanent reminder of the destructive powers and the purification element of the fire. These gatherings are in a family atmosphere, and can last between one or two night, to even a fortnight without seize.

The drums of the Nyahbinghi are threefold. These personify the judgmental forces in creation, for justice and judgment are the habitation around the throne.

These are - The Bass: Representing the thunder.

The funde: Representing the heartbeat.

The Repeater: Representing the Lightning.

The order of the Nyahbinghi a manifestation of the ancient Nazarene trod, that guides man to a perfect union by virtue of his way of life(Livity).

Central to the Nyahbinghi are the continual chant and praises to the Emperor Haile Selassie I, by the singers and players, and to invoke the inevitable judgment due onto the wicked inhabitors of the earth.

2. Nyahbinghi Tabernacle Centre

Purpose of the Nyahbinghi centre: To serve as a permanent place for the worship of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, and for all

those who observe the divinity of the Emperor. To serve as a rallying point for the annual celebration of the Rastafari Dates.

To serve as a spiritual Base and resource centre for the local rasses and the international community.

Tenants of the Faith:

Those who abide by the principal of the Nyahbinghi order of Rastafari, Livity ( Way of life ), are liken to the spiritual warriors of the most I. We adopt Biblical precepts that elevates man from his animal-like state to the fullness of his godhead.

Our way of life is one of peace and love. We observe a natural way of life, in pursue of the things that are in harmony and balance with the was that the creator ordained that man should live.

We therefore abstain from the things that we consider detrimental to our lives and the natural way in which the creator guilded I & I.

This includes abstention from the eating of all forms of animal flesh. No fish, or dairy products.

No alcohol or wine or strong drink.

We do not use cigarettes.

We do not use razor , scissors or comb.

We abstain from the attendance of funeral, or dead body in any form.

Our women of the faith, cover their head at all times. They do not wear cloths that are expossive.

They also abstain from cooking when on their menstrual period.

Central to the Nyahbinghi order of Rastafari is the Divine nature of our leader, God and King- H.I.M Haile Selassie I, to who all honor, power, praises are due.

Background History of the Tabernacle.

Chronology of Events

1992: Centenary Gathering in Ethiopia Co-ordinated by the Centenary Committee for Rastafari.

Centenary request to facilitate the building in Shashamane.

Aug. - Dec: C.C.R report on local and international community.

Rastafari organization in U.K pledge support.

1993:C.C.R establish office at Simba, Hammersmith U.K.

First promotional leaflet distributed.

Regional gathering thro-out U.K.

Nov.: Centenary Video Launched at the Willesden Library.

1994: Mar: The tabernacle model prepared by the C.C.R.

July International launch of the project in Miami.

2nd C.C news letter produced.

Dec. Promotional fund raising at Yaaa Asantewaa/ London

1995: Jan: Two members of the C.C team visited Ethiopia to discuss details with the Baugh Family.

Manchester Fund Raising is well attended.

April: Tabernacle Building Certificate Produced to Facilitate the Building Project Donation.

(certificate under HERE)

May: 3rd News letter issued.

Jun:Architects blue print for the Tabernacle prepared.

July: C.C presentation of the Project is well received at the Toronto/Canada conference.

Aug.: Successful Fundraising in Birmingham.

Simba closed. C.C.R operates from Hartfordshire

Oct.: C.C.R members attend New York Gathering.

Nov.: Two man team leave for Ethiopia to start the work.

Dec: Works begin on the foundation of the Tabernacle.

1996

Jan; 4th C.C .R News letter

April: Singers and Player (1) benefit at the Hi Fashion? London.

June: 5th News Letter

Singers and Player (20 at the Triangle, London.

Jul.:International delegates in Ethiopia for the int. opening

Nov. C.C.R member attend first S. Africa Rastafari Conference in Cape town.

Dec:6th New letter.

1997

Singers and player (3) at the Triangle? London.

7th News letter.

C.C.R Member at the Guyana Conference.

Dec; 'Arc of the covenant' Nyahbinghi musical tour of Britain promotion Project.

Nov.: Rastafari Banquet/ London

Nov.: C.C members promote the project in Jamaica.

Dec: C.C member (role as caretaker) Tabernacle? Shashamane.

1998

Jan-Mar: London regional meeting with Rastafari organizations

June: 8th News letter

Aug.: C.C.R presentation in Barbados

Oct.: Second phase of building begins in Shashamane.

1999

April: Singers and Players (4) at the Yaa Asantewaa art Centre? London.

9th newsletter issued.

July:Repatriation of elders/ International assemble of Rastafari

Nov.:C.C.R core group in Shashamane(Two member permanently resides

2000

The project acquired a truck

10th newsletter completed.

C.C.R continue to appeal for funds to complete the Tabernacle and Sistren Quarters.

3.On-going works towards Tabernacle completion.

The Nyahbinghi Tabernacle is still not completed in all its fulness, and still is open for I&I to make contribution towards its completion. To date the main structure (i.e. the large circular building)stands.
However the finishing touches are still required. E.g...

( A.) Inside floor is still undone.

(B) The outer circle needs to be fully enclosed with security grills.

C.) The building needs to be painted (D) The fire Alter need to have an outlet to channel the smoke out of the building. Etc.

It still remains the duty of all the Rases international to come forward and make their contribution.

The Building of the Sistren Quarters.

From the initial conception of the Tabernacle building and Quarters it was always our desire to build a separate building to facilitate the needs of the Rastafari Sisters visiting or based on the grounds.

To date the Sistrens quarters is the only structure that has not been started and which we are now ready to place our focus on. However the fundraising toward this structure has already begun. This initiative is been spearheaded by a group of Rases of the Nyahbinghi order in Washington D.C.

From the fund raising activities they have accumulated an approximate total of U.S.$ 1400.00. It was handed over to the Tabernacle, for this means.

Further funds raising have also since occurred, and further more are being scheduled in order to reach the indented target in order to start the ground breaking and activate the works, planned for December '03.

Again all finance and contribution towards this project are welcome.

Anyone wishing to make contribution for any of the works towards the Tabernacle Project are requested to direct all contributions and communications to:

Nyahbinghi Tabernacle Center.

P O Box 329

Shashemene, Malcoda

Shoa Province, Ethiopia

Tel' 00-251-6-10-32-86

4. Rastafari Calendar Dates obervered and celebrated at the Tabernacle:

7th January - Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)

2nd March- Battle of Adwa

21st April- His Majesty's visit to Jamaica.

24th -25th May- African Liberation Day

23rd July- His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I Earthday (Birthday) Celebration.

17th August- Marcus Garvey Birthday.

11th Sept.- Ethiopian New Year.

2nd November- His Imperial Majesty's Coronation Celebration.

All these celebrations takes form in the traditional Nyahbinghi Isis, which consists of Singing,Chanting and the playing of the drums. The main celebrations all start with an early morning devotion, and continues into the day with a full program, lunch and refreshment and finally the night Ises that goes on all night until the next morning.

Those wishing to attend the Nyahbinghi are requested to observe the following...

No cigarette, alcohol, drugs ,meat or flesh of any kind are permitted on these grounds.

No violence or bad behavior are permitted.

All women must be properly attired before entering. ( I.e.. Women are not permitted to enter the grounds in pants, or short skirts, or any exposive garment.) Neither are they allowed to enter with their head uncovered.

Women are not allowed on the grounds during the time of their menstrual period.

No weapons of any description are allowed on the grounds.

5. Notice Board / current events.Notices will be posted here as we get them.

6. Appeals.any donations can be made by contacting us by E-mail or Post