Entries by Hiwot M

Happy New Year!

The creator of time and all creation, the Almighty God who bestows eras with His mercy, has enrich us another new year, for we have transpired from the Year of Luke to the Year of John! Gratitude be to God!  

Archangel Saint Raphael

In Hebrew “Rafa’El” means “It is God who has healed.”  The Holy Archangel Raphael is an angel  who provides healing to the earth and to its inhabitants. He is celebrated, by the Church, primarily on Pagumen 3 (September 8). Saint Raphael cares for the convalescence of the ill, serves as the unseen guide for those who are travelling diligently with important chores. He is the protector of weddings and conjugal love.

“You also must be ready” (Matthew 24:44)

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ spoke about the words, “You also must be ready” to His holy disciples. What our Lord God told them is topic sentence. He warned them saying “Be alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 2:42) We shall know that if the owner had known at what time the thief would come in the night, he would have woken up. He would not have leave the house to be dug. Let us observe His words careful: “Therefore, you shall be prepared. For the Son of Man (God of the Son) will come at an hour you do not expect. Who is the faithful and discreet servant that the Lord has appointed over the people of the house to give them their food regularly? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.” (Matthew 24:42-47)

The Month of Pagumen

Dear Children of God, how are you? How is the season of winter? How are you spending it so far? Are you using your time properly? What have you done so far? Have you fasted the fast of Assumption of Saint Mary? Have been going to Churches with your families on Sabbath (Saturday and Sunday? Have you read spiritual books? Are you helping your parents with house chorus (house work) in your break time? Children, these are all the important things you shall do at home in winter season.

Children, today we will teach you about the thirteenth month of our country, “The Month of Pagumen.” The word Pagumen comes from a Greek word called “Apagumen” which means “addition or increment.”

Abune Tekle Haymanot

Our patron Father Abune Tekle Haymanot is the most prominent saint in Ethiopia. He is one of the very few, if not the only human on earth given wings! It is good to note here that saint Tekle Haymanot is one of the very few saints that Christians celebrate their birthday. He is probably the only Ethiopian saint celebrated officially in foreign churches such as Egypt and Rome. He has a monthly feast on the 24th day of every month in the Ethiopian calendar (which is the same as the Coptic calendar and derived from it). He performs many miracles daily in the lives of his children and we commemorate it in holy church.  (Coptic Synaxarium)

The Intercession of Holy Mother Saint Mary

The blessed from all saints, whom is above all creature including the Angels, pure and virgin Holy Mother of God Saint Mary, is the hope of human race. She was in the will of God before the creation of this world. After the fall of Adam and Eve when eating the forbidden fruit, death came upon mankind and was punished earthly. But for His mercy is tremendous, He vowed to save Him through his root. It is this word of God done through the virgin Mary through the miraculous work of birth of the Holy Son to save us by crucifixion. Her purity and holiness has bestowed us salvation for she become the mother of God and His work of redemption.

The Assumption of Saint Mary

The assumption of the body of our pure Lady Saint Mary, the Mother of God is celebrated on the sixteenth day of this month. While she was keeping vigil, praying in the Holy Sepulchre, and waiting for the happy minute of her liberation from the bonds of the flesh, the Holy Spirit informed her of her forthcoming departure from this vain world.

The Feast of Transfiguration

Our Holy Orthodox Church celebrates the commemoration of the transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor on Nehassie 13. The disciples, Saint Peter, Saint James and Saint John, were with Him, and about whom the Lord said, “ …. there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28) He fulfilled His promise, for six days later, He took His three disciples, up on a high mountain, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking to the Lord.

“Children are a gift from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3)

A gift bestowed from dearly beloved ones are most cherished. Foremost precious presents granted are by God for His unconditional love. What could ever be more valuable than His gift in life. He gave us His life, love, peace, hope and Kingdom. This inheritance we strive was done through the holy root of mankind Adam for he was told “I will be born from grandson and save you.” (Book of Clement)  

The Conception of Saint Mary

The mother of our virgin Saint Mary Anne was born in Bethlehem in Judaea. She married Joachim. They were righteous people in front of God. Joachim reproached at the Temple for his sterility, retreated into the countryside to pray, while Anne, grieved by his disappearance and by her barrenness, solemnly promised God that, if given a child, she would dedicate it to the Lord’s service. They prayed earnestly asking God to grant them a child. They shared a wealthy and devout life at Nazareth.