Sermon – Page 29 – Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church Sunday School Department

Ethiopian Patriarch on a week-long visit to India

November 23, 2016

(Taken fron The New Indian Express) – Patriarch Abune Mathias, head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, arrived in Kerala on Saturday on a one-week visit. The Patriarch was accorded a warm welcome at the Nedumbassery airport.

During the visit, the prelate will be taking part in a host of programmes organised by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. This is his first visit to Kerala after being anointed as head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

His itinerary includes celebrating Holy Mass at Arthat St Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday, along with Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church head Baselios Marthoma Paulose-II.

Later, the Patriarch will attend the valedictory function of the bicentennial commemoration programme of Pulikottil Joseph Mar Dionysius at Adupputty Mar Dionysius Nagar, at 4.30 pm.

On Tuesday, the Patriarch will lead the blessing ceremony of the centenary celebrations of Kuzhimattom St George Orthodox Church Sunday School.

Later, he will inaugurate Snehasparsham, a scheme launched to support cancer patients, as the part of the 70th birthday celebrations of the Malankara Catholicos at Kottayam Mammen Mappila Hall at 5 pm.

On Wednesday, the Patriarch will inaugurate the St Gregorios International Cancer Care Centre at Parumala.

Source: The New Indian Express

DECLARATION OF THE COUNCIL OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY LEADERS IN ISRAEL

November 7, 2016

We, the leaders of the major religions in Israel and members of the Council of Religious Community Leaders, believe in the Creator, who rules the world with benevolence and mercy, and requires of us to live with all persons in peace and mutual respect.

Our religious heritages teach that peace and the pursuit of justice are the will of God, and we as religious leaders bear particular responsibility to be attentive to the cries of the poor and the weak among us and to act to advance a more just society.

As the leaders of the official religious communities in Israel, we have decided to embark together on an historic visit to Poland, and to the site of Auschwitz–Birkenau. This visit is meant to honor the memory of millions of Jews and other victims of the Holocaust, and to express the determination of the leaders of the religious communities in Israel to do everything in their power to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities.

We call on all world leaders to act, in their countries and through the United Nations, to act with unwavering resoluteness against anti-Semitism, hatred of the other, which once again plague contemporary society,

We declare our commitment to cooperate and to do everything in our power to carry out this important call in the Holy Land as well, to strengthen the harmony and understanding that exist in Israel among the various religious communities.

In order to establish peace and mutual respect among members of religions throughout the world and in our country, we must educate our communities and children accordingly, and prevent affront to the feelings and beliefs of others.

Here, in Auschwitz–Birkenau, the site of the most horrific crimes against humanity in history and the symbol of ultimate evil, where the murder of millions Jews and others – men, women and children – was perpetrated by Nazi Germany, we declare our commitment to the sanctity of human life. We repudiate racism, fanaticism and extremism, particularly when these are committed, allegedly in the name of religion and in so doing desecrate religion.

The Council of Religious Community Leaders in Israel calls for an end to war and a prayer for peace in keeping with the vision of the prophets: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not take up sword against nation, nor shall they learn war anymore”, Isaiah 2:4.

The Council of Religious Leaders in Israel includes the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, the Muslims religious establishment, the Christian churches in the Holy Land, the Druze Religious Authority, the Ahmadiyya Muslim, Bahai and Samaritan communities.

Source: ORTHODOXY COGNATE PAGE

Burial Slab of Jesus Uncovered For First Time in Centuries

October 29, 2016

Jesus Christ’s ‘burial slab’ uncovered during restoration

Exclusive: Christ’s Burial Place Exposed for First Time in Centuries

Restorers working in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Israel uncover stone slab venerated as the resting place of Jesus Christ.

JERUSALEM, ISRAELF or the first time in centuries, scientists have exposed the original surface of what is traditionally considered the tomb of Jesus Christ. Located in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, the tomb has been covered by marble cladding since at least 1555 A.D., and most likely centuries earlier.

“The marble covering of the tomb has been pulled back, and we were surprised by the amount of fill material beneath it,” said Fredrik Hiebert, archaeologist-in-residence at the National Geographic Society, a partner in the restoration project. “It will be a long scientific analysis, but we will finally be able to see the original rock surface on which, according to tradition, the body of Christ was laid.”

According to Christian tradition, the body of Jesus Christ was laid on a shelf or “burial bed” hewn from the side of a limestone cave following his crucifixion by the Romans in A.D. 30 or possibly 33. Christian belief says Christ was resurrected after death, and women who came to anoint his body three days after the burial reported that no remains were present.

This burial shelf is now enclosed by a small structure known as the Edicule (from the Latin aedicule, or “little house”), which was last reconstructed in 1808-1810 after being destroyed in a fire. The Edicule and the interior tomb are currently undergoing restoration by a team of scientists from the National Technical University of Athens, under the direction of Chief Scientific Supervisor Professor Antonia Moropoulou.

The exposure of the burial bed is giving researchers an unprecedented opportunity to study the original surface of what is considered the most sacred site in Christianity. An analysis of the original rock may enable them to better understand not only the original form of the tomb chamber, but also how it evolved as the focal point of veneration since it was first identified by Helena, mother of the Roman emperor Constantine, in A.D. 326.

Source: Orthodoxy Cognate Page: retrieved at “http://theorthodoxchurch.info/blog/news/jesus-burial-slab-uncovered-for-first-time-in-centuries/”on October 28, 2016.

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Holy Synod declared Abune Michael of Gore Martyr

October 28, 2016

By Kassa Nigus

In the course of the first regular meeting of this year, the Holy Synod of the Ethiopia Orthodox Tewahido Church bestowed sainthood upon Abune Michael of Gore. His Grace Abune Michael was one of the first five Ethiopian Bishops, and was executed by fascist Italian invaders in 1937.

The statement stated that His Grace Abune Michael made extraordinary efforts in resistance to maintain the sovereignty of the nation, and the protection of the Church and his religion during the Italian invasion. Consequently, His Grace Abune Michael was martyred in the hands of the Italians on December 4, 1937 at the age of 55 for his patriotic deed and rousing Ethiopian patriots to fight against Italian Invaders.

Taking all this into account, on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, the Holy Synod decided that His Grace Abune Michael should be recognized as a martyr in official statements.

It is recalled that the statue of His Grace Abune Michael was erected in the diocese of His Grace last year, Ilu Abba Bora city and inaugurated by His Holiness, the Patriarch. The foundation stone of the Museum was also laid thereof.

Eddited by Mesfin Zegey.

Mahibere Kidusan Graduates Spiritual Instruments and Geez Language Trainees

“The Sacred Harp song revives and resumes to its original status”

October 27, 2016

By Kassa Nigus

Abune Gorgoryos Education and Training Centre under Mahibere Kidusan (MK) Development Institutions Administration graduated 550 trainees in spiritual instruments and Ge’ez language at a ceremony held on October 23, 2016 at MK’s headquarters. Graduates of the 12th round of training include 358 trainees of Harp (Begena); 35 in single string instrument (Mesenqo); 89 in drum; 6 in flute and 62 in Ge’ez language.

Deacon Getnet Frew, Vice Chairman of the Board of Mahibere Kidusan Development Institutions Administration made welcoming remarks at the occasion. In his congratulatory message at the graduation ceremony, H.G. Abune Mathias, Archbishop of Canada Diocese, said “You all guests of honor are gathered here to serve God, and to do this we need peace in the country. So we need to pray vigilantly that God gives love, peace and kindness to our country.”

Seife Alemayehu, Head of Domestic Centers and Deputy Secretary General of MK, on his part said the primary objective of the association is to transfer the tradition of the church across successive generations without distortion. He added, “You graduates should pass what you learned to others and fulfill this mission.”

It was also disclosed at the ceremony that Abune Gorgoryos Education and Training Centre has plans to expand the training program. Ato Haily Fesha, Managing Director of Development Institutions Administration, handed certificates to candidates and donor organizations. The ceremony was finally closed with prayer.

The institution cordially invites you to participate in one of these programs.

Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Holy Synod undertakes its first annual session

October 24, 2016

By Mesfin Zegeye

The regular session of the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church started on October 22, 2016 per the declaration stated in Feteha Negest which stipulates that the Synod convenes its regular sessions twice a year (in October and May).

During His opening speech, His Holiness patriarch Abune Mathias dwelt on the importance of love, unity and development quoting from the Gospel of John chapter 17 verse 11. The following are points drawn from the statement the patriarch emphasized on:

Overcome and reverse the evil thoughts of those who have been using healthy and natural differences of people for stigmatization so as to break up peaceful co-existence of people God has made one by His grace.

Our Lord Jesus Christ came into this world to make the unity among His creatures strong, as His teachings and deeds amply showed. Nowadays, the world is becoming one village socially and economically; this is made possible by the Will and Wisdom of God, and not by the making of the world.

We, bishops are ordained as the apostles of peace by the Lord God; God’s Peace has been sent to the people through us. However, we have not been discharging our responsibility as required to make the people live in harmony, unity, peace, and love. So we have to fulfill our duty as per our promise to that end.

The current state of violence inflicts enormous damages of conscience and peace in the people. Thus, we have to make utmost efforts until peace is established on solid foundation.

We, bishops, theologians, priests, and preachers have to be models by teaching and being exemplary in deed.

The Church shall communicate its message of peace centrally and in neutrality to all.

The Church should show her motherly role to the youth through development endeavors and creating job opportunities for them.

Over 50 Thousand New Believers Baptized Orthodox

October 22, 2016

By Kassa Nigus

According to 2015/2016 Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church Patriarchate annual report presented during the 35th General Holy Council of the Church (from 17 – 20 October, 2016), 50,737 new believers have been baptized and flock into the fold of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church through evangelical expansion program.

In some of the diocese where new believers baptized, churches built; native preachers of the area have been trained and priests assigned for church service.

Among a total of 50,737 new believers, 18, 578 are baptized in collaboration with Mahibere Kidusan. It also indicated that there are multiple members who have been attending Pre-baptism courses in preparation for their re-birth before their baptism.

List of Newly Registered Members with respective Diocese

No	Name of Diocese	Number of newly baptized members
1	North Wollo	409
2	Assosa (including the regions Vice president called Abdul Muhammad)	217
3	Metekel	13,019
4	Kemessie	130
5	Sidama	1,817
6	East Wellega	341
7	South West Shoa	1,631
8	North western Shoa (selale)	71
9	Gambella	87
10	Western Wellega	887
11	Western Shoa	5,500
12	Keffa	4,550
13	Michew	81
14	Sheka Bench Maji	957
15	Hadya and Siltie	1,224
16	South Omo	6,075
17	Hararghe	114
18	Awi Zone	52
19	Bahir Dar	25
20	Gamo Gofa	12,099
21	Western Gojam	90
22	Welayta Konta	1,305
23	South Gondar	55
Sum		50, 737

Source: Bulletin, “Awaji Negari” Prepared for the annual parish council of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

The Largest Cross Tower Erects in Adigrat City

Infeatured news, October 20, 2016

By Kassa Nigus

Africa’s great cross tower inaugurated and displayed for public in Adigrat city in a specific place called Kenda’ero after the sanction of His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Axum and Ichege of the See of Saint Taklehaimanot.

The Cross Tower made up of pure iron and aluminum at a cost of bir1.4mn covered by the Adigrat City administration, Tigray State Culture and Tourism Bureau and local believers. The Cross has 22m height, 15m width, and a weight of seven tons.

The new Cross tower is built at the hub of several church compound; Debre Tsehay Holy Trinity in the northwest, Debre Golgotha Keranyo Holy Savior Cathedral in the East, Debre Hail Mar George in the South, St Kirkos in the western part.

Alhough there were efforts of local believers to set up the project, it mainly accomplished by the initiation of a devoted Christian called Hagos Wolde Gabriel. Hagos made a great contribution along with their friends who have been living in the United States of America. He started the work being with the recognized committee after having obtained building permit from Adigrat city administration.

His Holiness patriarch Abune Mathias delivered his inaugural address to the crowds, “We shall feel a great sense of pride and happiness as we watched the cross tower on the top of this mountain on the feast day of the cross; Peace, love and unity are derived from the cross. Anyone who believes in Cross, he will not be suing each other and hasn’t a grievance against his brother too; Jesus Christ said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do’ to preach love; the Cross itself is love. We should pray for our country and preserve our faith and safeguard the holy cross which is the Savior of all”.

His Grace Abune Deyoskoros, Archbishop of the Diocese and General Manager of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church noted on the feast celebrated at Debre Menkirat St Kirkos and Holy Savior Church, “It is splendid to raise the cross on peak of this mountain as it is the seats of early holy places which may contain sacred materials. The cross is the savior of life, the logo of peace and unity".

Archbishops, senior government officials including Ato Abay Weldu, president of Tigray State, and more than fifty thousand pilgrims attended the inauguration ceremony.

Source: Sem’atsidk News Paper (from October 12-26, 2016), a bimonthly Newspaper published by Mahibere Kidusan.

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.