"Enkutatash" is the word for the Ethiopian New Year in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, while it is called "Ri'se Awde Amet" ("Head Anniversary") in Ge'ez, the term preferred by the Ethiopian & Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Churches. It occurs on September 11 in the Gregorian Calendar; except for the year preceding a leap year, when it occurs on September 12. The Ethiopian Calendar Year 1998 "Amätä Məhrät" ("Year of Mercy") began on the Gregorian Calendar Year on September 11, 2005. The Ethiopian Years 1992 and 1996, however, began on the Gregorian Dates of 'September 12th 1999' and '2003' respectively.