Dabtara
Dabtara (from Greek: διφδέρα) is a state in the Ethiopian church (without its own consecration).
A Dabtara is entrusted with the church chanting and reading service as well as with some paperwork, which requires a knowledge of the church sciences . He is free in his way of life. He is either employed by the church or works in another job full-time and part-time as Dabtara. He is also known as a connoisseur of popular medicine and magical practices . Often outside of Ethiopia they are mistakenly referred to as performers of the priestly dance on festive days.