Sermon – Page 24 – Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church Sunday School Department

The 35th Patriarchate General Parish Holy Council Begins

October 18, 2016

By Kassa Nigus

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church started this year’s annual patriarchate General Parish Holy Council in the hall of the Patriarchate on October 17, 2016, in accordance with the Church’s Regulation Act (Kale’awadi) to hold the council at the beginning of October annually.

More than 400 participants from the Holy Synod, departments of the patriarchate, as well as representatives from various organizations and officials from more than 50 domestic and foreign dioceses, parish councils, and the laity are in attendance at the session.

His Holiness Patriarch Abune Mathias, chairman of the council, in his benediction on the occasion said, “We, priests should never forget the crucial role of the parish council, the evangelist device that confirms our richness”. He stated that the Parish Council is the single most important key to ensure the sovereignty of the Church by strengthening and asserting the spiritual, social and economic status of the church.

He also noted that the parish council is the biggest source of wealth that guarantees the day to day functioning of the church; though the Church is exhibiting slow growth due to maladministration. However, priests should not think about their personal wealth. Rather, they should take great care, constantly day and night, about the protection of believers faithfully to serve as God’s Word commands.

During this general assembly, performance of the Church in the past fiscal year and future plans of every diocese as well as every issue that concerns the church, including the current burning issue, the issue of peace, are big agendas of the session. The Council will be closed on Thursday, October 20, 2016.

Official Statement of the Holy Synod up on the Current Affairs of the Country

October 10, 2016

By Kassa Nigus

“And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” Jer 29፡7

In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God, Amen.

Previously, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church has been expressed her sadness and declares a period of prayer up on the loss of many lives, damage and destruction of property following a frequent violence of people against the government in most parts of the country. Now, the Church also issued a statement on the loss of human life gathered at the Oromo Irreechaa annual festival in Bishoft ( Debre Zeyit), 47.9 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa on October 1, 2016.

As the prophet Jeremiah taught us that humans shall seek peace for the country for peace of its people based on the peace of their country. The basic concept of peace is a condition whereby people live together in unity. Even everybody can understand that ‘Greetings’ people communicate in their everyday life is the result of peace.

Our Beloved Ethiopians:

Following the loss of our brothers in Irrecha Oromo annual festival, the Holy Synod of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has now released a statement expressing their “deepest sympathy and sorrow”. Accordingly, the Holy Synod decided to hold a seven – days period of prayers;

To remember those who lost their lives from this world for God may rest in Heaven the departed souls since October 5, 2016 across the country and foreign diocese, monasteries, parishes and churches.
May our Lord, the owner of Peace grants peace for Ethiopia and its people and to heal victims of the violence.
Even if the need to come up with everlasting peace is a task of everybody, our church takes joint effort remarkably with all stakeholders to bring peace. Finally, the church strongly commends that unsatisfied Ethiopians shall forward their valid question in a socially responsible Ethiopian manner, and the government shall respond a fair and timely response according to his responsibility.

May God saved the soul of our brothers departed from this world!

May God glorify His mercy for those who are in medical treatment!

May God protect Our Country and its People!

His Holiness Abune Mathias I,

Patriarch of Ethiopia,

Archbishop of Axum andIchege

of the See of Saint Taklehaimanot.

Orthodox Patriarch Kirill Signs Appeal to Ban Abortion in Russia

September 30, 2016

By Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE

© Photo: Press service of the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church signed on Tuesday an appeal to introduce a total nationwide ban on abortions in Russia, Patriarch Kirill’s spokesman said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — According to Father Alexander Volkov, the appeal calls for recognition of the beginning of human life at the moment of conception and stresses that the embryo should be legally protected.
The document also proposes to ban any surgical or therapeutic interruption of pregnancy, as well as “the use of contraceptives with abortion-inducing effects.” According to Russian pro-life activists, about 1 million women in Russia have induced abortions every year.
Source: http://theorthodoxchurch.info/blog/news/orthodox-patriarch-kirill-signs-appeal-to-ban-abortion-in-russia/

Ethiopian Orthodox Church Marks Festival of the Holy Cross

September 28, 2016

The finding of the True Cross ( Meskel ) celebrated on September 26, 2016 before the presence of the Patriarch, Archbishops, Directors of departments of the patriarchate, heads of churches and monasteries, priests and preachers, members of Sunday schools, many thousands of believers, senior government officials and visitors from various parts of the world at Meskel square in Addis Ababa. The feast celebrated across the nation similarly in other public squares in the rest of Ethiopia.

His Holiness Abune MathiasI, Patriarch of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Axum and Ichege of the See of Saint Taklehaimanot said that the festivity of Cross forces us to remember two things: first, Christ and His love; second, God’s salivation that took place on the cross. Meskel (Cross) preaches about peace, unity, freedom, reconciliation and testifies about salivation of mankind, God’s saving plan and the sing of victory, he added.

The main reason why the Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of Cross (Meskel) is that the cross abolished separation wall between God and mankind, instead it teaches about peace, unity, brotherhood, morality, respect, trust and tolerance. It mainly brings a perfect and lasting love. He also appreciates the registration of Meskel festivity in UNESCO as intangible world heritage in the name of Ethiopia since through which we get favorable ground in the world forum to preach the Cross and hence we shall glorified our great God who gifted us this opportunity.

Mahibere Kidusan undertakes its 12th general Council

September 7, 2016

By Kassa Nigus

Mahibere Kidusan (MK) undertook its 12th general assembly for three consecutive days from September 3 – 5/ 2016. The biennial deliberation on performance involved a series of intensive discussions that continued day and night.

The day time deliberation took place at the hall of the patriarchate while the night time discourse occurred at MK’s hall.

Archbishops including the General Manager of the Patriarchate, his grace Abune Deyoskoros, his grace Abune Lukas, his grace Abune Selama, his grace Abune Gabriel and his grace Abune Entons attended the general council and expressed their fatherly message and blessings. Members of MK who participated in the discussion came from within and outside of Ethiopia, such as US, Europe, Africa and Arab countries.

Two studies were presented in the conference focusing on “current challenges of Orthodoxy and its negative global pressures on its believers and its solution, and how we can work with stakeholders of the church for effective services.

Also presented on the occasion was implementation report of the last two years plan by the association, which was followed by a thorough discussion on various problems encountered in realizing targets set.

Furthermore, the overall financial report of the last two years has been presented by external auditors who have satisfied the necessary legal requirements.

Election of a new management body for MK took place as the terms of office for the former management has elapsed after four years in office.

Best practices in Christian way of life by selected area offices was also presented as part of the event in an attempt to inspire the youth to energize their spiritual lives by sharing experience.

At the end of the program, a 20 minute spiritual documentary film was presented to the participants. The documentary consisted of advice and promise of archbishops and evangelists to protect the Church. Message in the film stressed the need to understand one’s own role as a Christian and in the life of the Church, and the need to safeguard the church vigilantly.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Reclaims Its Confiscated Houses

August 31, 2016

By Tsegaye Girma

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church reclaimed 28 houses which were confiscated from the Church during the nationalization program of the Dergue regime.

Megabe Kahinat Haile Selassie Zemariam, director of department of clergy administration and chairman of houses and building joint committee, which is tasked with returning the churches’ confiscated properties, said the 28 confiscated houses were returned to the church from three sub cities of Addis Ababa on August 25, 2016: 18 houses from Lideta sub city, five from Yeka and another five from Kirkos sub cities.

He also noted that based on the assessment of the committee, 283 buildings of the church, which were seized by the Dergue regime, have been identified in different sub cities of Addis. Among the houses, 137 of them have legal land certification. Furthermore, 109 of the houses will be returned to the church till the end of this year.

The committee will continue its efforts to reclaim all the remaining buildings and houses to the church in the future, Megabe Kahinat Haile Selassie added.

H.G. Manager of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church urges believers to discharge spiritual responsibilitie

In featured news, August 25, 2016
His Grace Abune Deyoskoros, General Manager of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church Patriarchate, and Archbishop of southern Tigray Maychew Diocese, South Eastern and Eastern Tigray Adigrat diocese said believers who think that the church’s administration is not their business lack proper understanding of the Kale ’Awadi (a manuscript that contains a set of rules that govern the church’s administration.)

In an interview with Sim’atsidk (Mahibere kidusan’s fortnightly newspaper) on a range of topics, His Grace pointed out that the Kale ’Awadi lays out the roles of the clergy, youth and the laity in the administration of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He said problems are observed in some churches due to lack of understanding of the rules and guidelines in the Kale ’Awadi.

“Understanding and abiding by the rules and regulations of the church is crucial to avoid the recurrent problems,” he added. His Grace also called upon believers to discharge their responsibility of serving the church.

On the other hand, His Grace Abune Deyoskoros indicated that preserving the longstanding tradition of mutual respect and love among Ethiopians and passing it to the next generation requires the attention of every citizen. He also urged all to protect our way of living, which is shaped by spiritual teachings, from alien practices.

“Ethiopians’ culture is not just about sharing meal with one another. But it’s also about peaceful co-existence in both good and bad times,” the Manager of the Patriarchate said adding that all should guard against foreign cultures that loosen the ties among citizens. Since there have been high levels of widespread invasion of faith and culture, the work of evangelism and ministry should also be strengthened to protect the laity from marauding wolves, he added.

Translated by: Tsegaye Girma & Kassa Nigus

Statement of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Patriarch on the Current Situation of Ethiopia

August 10, 2016

By Mesfin Zegeye

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church Patriarch, His Holiness Abune Mathias gave a statement regarding the current situation of the country on August 9, 2016.The statement emphasizes on the benefit of peace quoting from (Colossians 3:15) and urged the people to live in harmony with their bothers.

As always, the ultimate goal of Church is to keep peace and to let the people enjoy from its fruit. Ethiopian Orthodox Church is the founder of the nation, the mother of the population, an advocate of peace, love, unity and freedom of the people. It is also an undeniable fact that the people of our country maintain their freedom, love, brotherhood for three thousand years through peaceful religious doctrine of the Church.

Even though the greatness and mutual coexistence our people enjoyed have been long-lasting, currently the Church looks at the recent developments in the country with serious concern. It expresses its sadness about the loss of its children’s lives, as well as, destruction of property, due to the mass rallies in different parts of the country.

Thus, the Patriarch gives the following statements with a view to avoid further problems and damages that hinder the ongoing development program, as well as to keep citizens enjoy their right to life and to work.

1. Our Church by saying, “the name of peace sounds sweet always” not only teaches about the benefits of peace but prays and sings about it. In all Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church parish churches message about peace should be communicated so that all people fast and pray in these fasting days of St. Mary for the problem that has occurred in the country ends and is addressed legally, based on a spirit of brotherhood and discussion.

2. The Church calls upon elderly people, intellectuals, heads of families to teach and counsel their children and the youth of their respective localities with a view human life would not be lost; property of the country could be saved from destruction.

3. The Church notifies that all bodies should put forward any concerns they may have to the appropriate body in a peaceful manner for it to be addressed through discussion and consultation as well as handling the matter peacefully all the way.

4. The Church expresses its deep felt sorrow over lives lost and property destroyed due to the misunderstanding that occurred. We pray to God to save the souls of people who lost their lives and to make their families strong in this difficult time.

5. God tells us, “ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. ” (1Tim 2:1-3) Accordingly, our Church calls upon bishops in various dioceses, fathers, and preachers in monasteries and parish churches to teach the people about peace and love, unity and understanding so that peace and stability could continue in our country.

May God bless Ethiopia!

The Patriarch addresses laity on occasion of Fast of St. Mary

August 6, 2016

By Kassa Nigus

His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Axum and Ichege of the See of Saint Taklehaimanot addressed Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church followers found throughout the world regarding the Fast of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Tsome Filseta) in a gathering that included Mahibere Kidusan, public and private media journalists on July 4, 2016.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God, amen!

Congratulations on the occasion of the 2016 fast of St Mary, the Patriarch said to Children of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church who reside both in and out of the country throughout the world. As God’s Prophet, David said in his song, “The fear of the Lord is clean”,(Ps. 19:9), the Word of God is, indeed, perfect, pure, holy, precious and unique; and stands distinct from the utterances of humans since the words of that latter are infested with lies, indecision, ignorance, doubt, treachery, and limitations of capacity. But the Word of God is significantly different from all these imperfections and is perfectly clean, true. Not only that, it is also irreversible. It is reflected in human lives and in the world according to His promise.

The verse, “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail…” (Luke 16:17) reminds us that the Word of our Lord God and Jesus Christ the Savior is above everything and has grace, power and endurance. Accordingly, whosoever teaches by dropping from, adding to and distorting the pure Word of God for considerations of self-interest will be separated from the kingdom of God as He said, “whosoever scraps parts of the commandments of God, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt.5:19)

Therefore, we have to be well aware that the Word of God gives eternal life to those who keeps it, and on the other hand, it has the authority to punish those who distort and abuse it. So, we have to recognize that the salvation of mankind is found suspended in balance between protecting and breaking the Word of God as written, “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”(Heb 4:12)

Our beloved children (both male and female) in the Holy Spirit:

There is something the Word of God tells us about the Blessed Virgin Mary written in the Holy Scripture. The worship/devotion we show for the next two weeks regarding the Blessed Virgin Mary fast season shall be performed based on memorization of texts about Holy Virgin Mary in the Word of God. Among the words told about St Mary in the Scripture are:

“Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” (Luke 1:42)
“For thou hast found favour with God.(Luke 1:30)
“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee”: (Luk1:35)
“And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43)
“Behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” (Luke 1:48)
“Woman, behold thy son!” John 19:26
“Behold thy mother” ( John 19:27)

So the Word of God tells the faithful to believe that the Virgin Mary is the Mother of God and acknowledges all generations shall call her ‘blessed’ for the grace of the Virgin Mary is connected with the Grace of God. Without believing that St Mary is the mother of God, we will not get salvation; without believing our Lord Jesus Christ is both God and man there is no eternal life.

As the relationship between Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Mother is the relation between a child and a mother, God ordered that the relationship between the faithful and Virgin Mary also to be like that of the relationship between mother and child. (John 19: 26-27)

The apostle John took our Blessed Virgin Mary to his home to live with him after Jesus gave her to him, “Behold thy mother”. Since then, our Blessed Virgin Mary has been living within the house of believers. According to the Word of the Lord and the apostolic tradition, the house of the faithful of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church is the house of Saint Mary. Because there are no believers who couldn’t bring the sacred icon of St Mary into their house and pray before the sacred icon in hope of the intercession of St Mary, on their behalf. As a result, the faithful accomplish their worship without distorting, and ignoring parts of the Word of God.

Our beloved children in the Holy Spirit:

God gave us the greatest gift of all: the Virgin Mary through perfect love, the love between mother and child. That love is still binding us with St Mary. Those who are trying to separate us from this love, we need to resist them by exhibiting the spirit of Ethiopianism and Orthodoxy. Who he praises the Blessed Virgin Mary; surely he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit and keeps the Word of God as Elizabeth.

As an illustration of the deep love between us and the Virgin Mary, it is appropriate to give a piece of bread to those less fortunate than ourselves in her name and should continue this tradition down the generation without interruptions.

During this fast of St Mary, we shall perform good deeds such as extending our hands to feed the hungry, visiting the sick, visiting those in prison, and also by living in tolerance, trust, brotherhood, harmony, love and peace.

The Patriarch: Spreading the Word of God is vital task

July 5, 2016

By Kassa Nigus

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church Holy Trinity Theological College graduates disciples in different departments and programs. The ceremony was attended by His Holiness Patriarch Abune Mathias as well as bishops, heads of departments of the patriarchate and Addis Ababa diocese, parish and monastery administrators, members of the management of the college and families of the graduates. The ceremony took place at the hall of the Church on July 3, 2016.

Academic deputy dean of the college, deacon memhir Girma Batu, said that Holy Trinity College ever since its establishment in 1942/43 has been producing preachers. For the time ahead it has been preparing to start training in third degree and Ph.D. At the moment the college is training 1800 disciples and in this year it has made available 320 prospective disciples in various programs, including in Ge’ez language.

Following the prayer at the opening of the graduation ceremony Holy Trinity Sunday school singers sang St. Yared hymns while the graduates had presentations of kine (Ge’ez poem) putting various messages across. That was followed by handing out of prizes and certificates to graduates of distinction as well as to women graduates in various programs with ranks from 1st to 5th. His Holiness the Patriarch Abune Mathias, and head of the College, His Holiness AbuneTimotewos, handed out the certificates and the prizes.

The Patriarch, in giving his blessing, quoting, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Math. 9: 37 – 38)

Tlthough we have not counseled and taught children of the Church to bring in tithe and their first – born, the laity have never held back from the Church to give what they can. Because of that there is no problem of money in our Church particularly in the big cities. However, since the way we manage our finances is not well organized and there is a lot of corruption, the financial resources have not been put to use appropriately. Hence, you need to teach the people in order to eradicate corruption, good governance to prevail, honesty to reign, preserve the sanctity of the Church, the Patriarch underlined the message to graduates.

The Patriarch eulogized the graduates saying, all our children graduating in the three campuses are the light of our Church! His Holiness stressed that spreading the Word of God is a vital consideration in the Church and went on to say, you should serve as the light of the world and overcome the darkness in it, bring back those lost to other religions by showing them the right path, grow in your beliefs so that others follow in your footsteps, bring back the laity looted by others and put a stop to their attempt of taking the laity away, and also support the young in taking care of their lives and health, in staying away from addiction, drugs and alcohol, and other social ills. The Church entrusts this task to you and to live up to your Christian duties.

The graduates on their part promised to do everything in their capacity to protect the work of savior of the world Jesus Christ, the teachings of the 12 disciples as well as the three canonical decision of the Church, teach that holy angels and fathers intercede on behalf of the world, that they live by and enforce the canons, beliefs, traditions and dogmas of the Church, and serve the Church loyalty wherever they may be.

Finally, the ceremony was concluded with the blessings of the Patriarch.

In a related development, Kesate Berhan Freminatos spiritual college of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church graduated disciples in different departments and programs on June 26, 2016.