Sermon – Page 13 – Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church Sunday School Department

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints” (Psalm 116:15)

The remarkable and astonishing life of chosen children of God is most commemorated in their departure day. After their exhausting and tremendous diligence, perseverance and triumph of evil, Saints depart to the heavens by the praise of Angels in glory and inherit the Kingdom of God.

Our country has welcomed most celebrated and prominent Saints who has suffered much for the salvation of us, performed many miraculous, plead and made prostration for we would not even see the glimpse of fire of hell. Ethiopians celebrate our Righteous father Abune Geber Menfese Qidus in his departure day Tikimet 5 E.C. (October 16 G.C.)

The Mystery of Flowers

The magnificent nature of flowers blooming especially during on the month of Meskerm from 26 until Hedar 6 E.C. (October 7- until November 16 G.C) has mystical meaning in Christian life. The Mother of the world’s redeemer Saint Mary is represented through flowers. Prophet Isaiah has described her as, “There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” (Isaiah 11:1)

Laity’s Role in Church

The hoy place for our harmony, the foundation of world peace and salvation, Orthodox Incarnation Church is where laities serve the Lord. Church is Holy, One, Apostolic and for all. With this truth, we are to serve Apostolic service, be holy and live in unity.

The Holy Cross

At the center of our Christian life is the sacrifice of the Cross when God the Father offered His Only Son for the salvation and redemption of mankind. As such the true meaning of the Cross is sacrificial love, from here comes its true power in the life of the believer.

The Role of Laity’s in Church

Our Holy Church is a place for all in the name of Christ and Orthodox Christianity. It is the collection of Christians alongside Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Archdeacons, Deacons, and others servile. We each have a role to play. At our Church, it is vital to know our role for we shall be aware of our way of salvation and serve the Lord. The holy house of God is a place for partaking of the liturgy and worship. It is the holy place for the preparation of Holy Communion and thus shall be cherished.

Imprisonment

Humans have encountered imprisonment for many things in life. Some were sent to prison for their theft, corruption, or murdering; others for abduction or assault; there might be those who have also committed national crimes as domestic violence or massacre killing. These are all crimes that lead to imprisonment and severe punishment.

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!

“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.”

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.