Entries by Hiwot M

The Departure of Saint Mary

Our Lady, the all pure, Virgin Saint Mary, the Mother of God, departed on Tir 21 (January 29). As she was always praying in the holy sepulcher, the Holy Spirit informed her that she was about to depart from this temporal world. When the time of her departure arrived, the virgins of the Mount of Olives came to her, with the apostles, who were still alive, and they surrounded her bed. The Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom is the glory, with a host of thousands and thousands of angels came to her and comforted her. He also told her about the eternal joy that was prepared for her, and she rejoiced.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21)

Once Pope Shenouda III in his homily said, “The person with peace of heart, does not fear evil, for he says to the Lord as David the Prophet says, “If I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” (Psalm 23:4) The faithful person lives in peace, for God exists and acts; manages all. He is the protector and the helper.

However, the one who has lost peace, even imagines difficulties when they do not exist, and even though there is Divine power surrounding him, he does not recognize it, and that is his great crisis. If you have an accepted prayer, you shall live in peace, and you will feel that since you have placed your troubles in prayer before God, and that He has received your case and surrounds it with His abundant mercies, He will lift your sufferings. And in the beginning of this new year, we pray that God intervenes and solves the problems of individuals and nations, even if they seem complicated and unsolvable. “For that which is impossible with men, is possible with God.” (Homily in Saint George and Saint Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Church, January 7, 2006)

Saint Paul said, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21). Hominid shall have patient in overcoming every harms and pass his test than to face them by force using physical power. Lord Jesus Christ told us, “In the world you will have tribulation.” (John 16:33) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ” (Matthew 11:28) It is even more better to do good by and for our enemy for satan will anguish towards us in seeing the predicament be solved and the devil will depart far.

Cana of Galilee

Holy church celebrates the commemoration of the miracle that our Lord Jesus Christ performed at Cana of Galilee on Tir 12 (January 20). It was the first miracle that our Lord Jesus performed after His baptism. He was invited to the wedding with His virgin mother, Saint Mary, and also some of His disciples.

“Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him” (Matthew 3:13)

Dear Children of God, how are you? How was Holiday? How did you spend the celebration of Lord Jesus Christ birthday? Hope it was joyful and cheerful. Yet another holiday is coming and all Christians shall celebrate it together. Do you know what the holiday is? It is Epiphany (Timket) Happy Epiphany to you and your Family! So today, we will tell you the story of Lord Jesus Christ’s baptism by the hand of Saint John the Baptist and the celebration of Epiphany Holiday.

After Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Saint Mary raised Him in Jerusalem following their return from Egypt and Ethiopia. When He became thirty years of age, He came to Jordan river where Saint John was teaching God’s word and baptizing and He was baptized as well.

Liturgical Worship 

In Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Liturgical language has a long history in Ethiopia going back to the time of the translation of the bible in to the Geez language in the fifth century. The main unique features are: –

Feast of Circumcision of Lord Jesus Christ

Holy church celebrates the commemoration of the circumcision of the Lord Christ, to Whom is the glory on Tir 6 (January 14). God had ordained the law of circumcision as a sign that His people would become a particular people over all others. This was that every male of the seed of Abraham be circumcised on the eighth day of his birth. God put every soul that did not obey this law under judgement.

“Look to The East” (Divine Liturgy)

The word ‘East’ has religious meanings accord Holy Churches education. To begin with, Holy Mother Saint Mary and Holy Church is symbolized by east. “Originally altars were located at the east end of churches because it is there where the sun rises, symbolizing Christ as the “Sun of righteousness who sends His illuminating rays to light our souls.” (Dictionary of Church terms by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty page 42)

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10)

Dear Children of God, how are you? How are you welcoming the feast of Lord Jesus Christ’s Birth day? We hope you are getting ready to celebrate it with your family, neighbors and friends. Though it is the time for holiday, you must also be prepared for the mid semester exam and study hard. You shall read more and understand well the courses and notes that your teacher taught you. We hope you do well in your exams and pass all of them.

Dear Children, as education is practical knowledge, you have to make use of what your teacher teaches you every day in school to be a good student, child and citizen. If so, it will help you to be good for others and make God happy. You will become generous, kind, intelligent and have love for people. Good children! Today we will tell you the story of “The Birth day of Lord Jesus Christ.”

Feast of Abune Tekele Himanot

On April Megabit 24 (Abune 2) Tekele Haimnaot was conceived and born on Tahisas 24 (January 2). He then praise God saying, “The One Father is Holy, the one Son is Holy, the one Spirit is Holy.”

Priest Tsegazeab and Egizihareya named their son “Fisha Tsion” to mean “The happiness of Zhion.” They raised blessed child with church education and under the law of God. Then one day, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came to him and chose him to preach holy gospel, as an apostle. He also changed his name to “Tekele Haimanot” which means “The plant of religion, The plant of holy Father, plant of Holy Son, Plant of holy spirit.”