Sermon – Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church Sunday School Department

A Good Advisor

The foremost reason for the downfall of humans is the result of bad advice. Our father Adam though kept God’s law for seven years and live in heaven, he was deceived by the evil advice of Satan, then loose almighty Lord like God and holy place like heaven. This is due to evil advice; Now on this earth, alike previously, being aware or unaware, there are some bad advisers in deceiving and leading to unlawfulness.

On the other hand, there are good advisers initiating for goodness, direct the real path in enriching God, like Apostle Philip who is good advisor and dear friends. (John 1:46-51)

The Truth about Pagumen

The only extra month stated in the Ethiopian Calendar is pagumen. Ethiopia has her own equation in enriching new years. Thus she lives by her chronology, religion, liturgy, tradition devoid of tarnishing of identity.

Holy Church commemorates the second coming of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on this month. Patristic father teaches us about Pagumen which is the transgression month of summer to winter. These two seasons are the resemblance of light and everlasting life in the kingdom of God. They remind us about judgment day. Also on this month, we celebrate the feast of Archangel Saint Raphael and the opening of heavens.

The Departure of Micah, the Prophet

The great righteous prophet Micah, departed on Nehassie 22. He prophesied about Samaria and Jerusalem during the time of Jotham, Ahaz and Hezkiah, kings of Judeah. Also about the incarnation of the Lord, to Whom is the Glory, saying, “For behold, the Lord is coming out of His high place. He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth.” (Micah 1:3).

The Twelfth Month

The word “Nehassie”, is derived from “Nassie” which means “the last of, the twelfth of “Messkerem.”(Aleka Kidane Wolde Dictionary page 637)

Which do you remember?

Dear children of God! How are you? How is this season of “Fast of Assumption of Saint Mary?” we hope you are spending it with you beloved ones according to the church liturgy and order! This is a great occasion all of us eagerly await for every year for we pray, fast and prostrate much. Little ones, on this fasting occasion, we shall attend the church, learn the word of God, pray, participate on the Divine Liturgy as well as do much good deeds.

Children! On this lesson of “which do you remember”, we have presented to you questions on the lesson about Christians endeavors. You shall send us your response on the address on our website address website.english@eotcmk.org

The Pastoral Care of Addicts

Generally speaking about addiction, it is necessary to discuss especially about alcoholism as we see it as the most eloquent example of addiction. This, not only due to the fact that the phenomenon of alcoholism is by far the best-known in our country at the moment, but also to the fact that what is applied to the disease of alcoholism remains valid for the addiction to other substances or behaviors. Furthermore, the spiritual process of recovering from various dependencies is very similar, in almost all cases, whether one speaks about alcohol, cannabis or heroine. Of course, there are differences between addictions and their solutions; however, we shall highlight the similarities between them, trying to understand them better, from a theological coherent perspective.

“Do not worry” (Matthew 6:34)

Humans worry for attaining both virtuous and evil thoughts. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told us “do not worry” for the vanity world that is unjust. (Matthew 6:34) He knows what we seek and desire in the earthly life. The discerning mind we are endowed by Him is for the wisdom of us. Yet, it is improper to worry about any of it. Patristic Fathers teaching the children of God to “think but not worry” is for this reason. On the temporary earthly life, we shall be thoughtful, careful, “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) We are warranted not to fear and worry in Christianity. Whilst the apostles were saddened about the Lord’s suffering and death, He sympathized them saying, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)

“You who love the Lord, hate evil” (Psalm 97:10)

Absolute in His attribute, Holy and pure as He is, and for no uncleans is in Him, our Lord, God is a Good Father. The existence of Him before the creation of the world, for He does so now and forever, He lives in holiness in eternity. Before He created all the creatures by His mercy, He existed by sacred and triune; now also abodes glorified, sanctified and praised; as well will be praised in the future in His kingdom even for the inheritance of His honor and holiness to the Archangels and mankind. He did all this for His mercy, goodness, kindness and holy will.

The Eleventh Month

The eleventh month is known as “Hamele” which is derived from the word “Hamel” meaning “Leaf, foliage, grass, bushfire, sprout, plant,” and “Hamele” means “greenish.” (Aleka Kidane Wolde, page 449)

The naming of this month is derived from the earth which got dew of heaven and the clear natural change. The land which dried and degraded in the winter season will be wet and greenery at the beginning of summer by the rain.

Labeling and its consequences

Labeling is categorizing a body or people by one character, and in terms of that, naming them. Professional experts states it has having numerous attitude. Amongst are its individualistic and socialistically naming people, stereotyping, and the fact about the labelers who present narratives but not the truth about punishing the wrongs. Labeling can be used as a measurement for stigmatization. It is not also a process which can be easily eradicated. It also makes the labelers and the labeled making their own judgment and even commit from hitting to murder.