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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
Saint Uriel reveals mystery. This is what has been done for Ezra Sutuel. He has witnessed the angel the cup to drink for he could become wise. “Then opened I my mouth, and, behold, he reached me a full cup, which was full as it were with water, but the color of it was like fire.” (2 Esdras 14:39)
The remarkable and astonishing story of the three-year-old martyr Saint Cyricus and his mother Julitta, for their honorable martyrdom aided by the Archangel Saint Gabriel is one of the celebrated holiday of our Orthodox Church.
The Trinity was revealed under the terebinth trees of Mamre, which Patristic Fathers interpret as an ‘olive tree’; And Abraham ran to them, assuming they were adult guests, to take and host them in his house. “When he saw them, he ran from the door of the tent to meet them.” (Genesis 18:2). He came near and fell to the ground and raised his hand. And he said to them. “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.” (Genesis 18:3)