Sermon – Page 30 – Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church Sunday School Department

Inauguration of Newly Built Monastery Complex

June 22, 2016

The Complex was built at a cost of 8 million birr.

The modern premises of Abba Giyorgis Zegasicha Monastery which was built in South Wollo Diocese, Kelela town inaugurated on June 19, 2016. The premises was one of the major projects built by Mahibere Kidusan at a cost of eight million birr. The foundation stone of the building was laid six years ago by his grace Abune Atnatewos, archbishop of the diocese.

His grace Abune Atnatewos, archbishop of South Wollo Diocese and member of the Holy Synod, his grace Abune Endrias, head of scholar’s council and member of the Holy Synod and the Supreme guardian of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ato Tesfaye Bihoneng, secretary general of Mahibere Kidusan, church fathers, and other invited guests attended the opening ceremony.

The complex consists of eighteen guest rooms and other more rooms which may use for rental services. The rental income collected from the premises will be used for strengthening of the service of Debre Bahiry Abba Giyorgis Zegasicha and Abba Betselote Michael monasteries.

Sunday School Department 5th Annual General Conference Joint Statement

June 21, 2016

By Mesfin Zegeye

The fifth general conference of Sunday school department of the patriarchate of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church was held from June 17 -19, 2016 for three consecutive days. Extensive discussion on the reports of the budget year of the department took place in which three studies on promoting the mission of the Church were presented. The session was attended by representatives of Sunday Schools from 25 dioceses.

His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Archbishop of Axum and Ichege of the See of Saint Takle Haimanot and His Grace Abune Mathias, archbishop of Canada diocese and member of the Holy Synod attended the closing ceremony of the conference. On the occasion the Patriarch gave a sermon quoting, “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

Major declarations of the joint statement include:

We pledge to implement and operate a five-year plan (2006 – 2010 E.C) of Sunday school Department in the remaining time;
We ask that a five-year plan of Sunday School Department be part of each parish council’s plan and will be in harmony with the plan of each department of the patriarchate;
We work intensively to strengthen services being provided and to establish Sunday Schools on parish churches that have no Sunday schools based on geographical location;
We ask that Sunday School Department provide information collected and organized by national Sunday School Departments regarding large-scale damages and activities of current heretics to the Holy Synod;
We put forward a unanimous request that council of scholars react to the heretical statement entitled “Tehadiso Ze-Orthodox Ye’emnet Meglecha/Faith Statement of the Reformed Orthodox” – an apostate’s statement declared by the association of heretics;
We ask in unison for an urgent action to be taken on the promoters of /reformed/ heretics movement to stop anti-Orthodox Church activities;
We request the harassment and detention of members of Sunday School Departments by some parish church officials to end;
We request the Holy Synod to advise course of action to government bodies to refrain from mistreating members of Sunday school Departments;
We ask once again the (age-restricted) criteria to be member of Sunday School Department mentioned in the Qale Awadi (Ethiopian Church proclamation) and 1986 (E.C) internal church regulation to be annulled;
We pledge to work together with departments of the patriarchate and each Sunday school representative for the success of the television program the church has begun to broadcast;
We ask the patriarchate to identify Sunday School Departments which have not sent their representatives to participate in the conference and to take decisive measures up on them;
We announce to work as a team with Theology College graduates to solve universal church problem.

Mahibere Kidusan Expresses its grief over the victims in Jimma Diocese

June 17, 2016

By Mesfin Zegeye & Tsegaye Girma

Mahibere Kidusan has expressed its great sorrow over the attack on Christians at St Michael Church located in Yem special Wereda, Kunvi Province under Jimma Diocese. The attack was carried out by extremists in the morning of June 15, 2016 when the faithful went back home after attending morning church services.

Secretary General of Mahibere Kidusan, Ato Tesfaye Bihonegn, indicated that apart from the task of investigating the attack and making it public, the attack perpetrated on fellow Orthodox Christians is a distressing experience and needs to be condemned. The action of the people behind this inhuman incident falls outside of the tenets of any religious group and especially is in direct conflict with Christian teachings and purpose.

Ato Tesfaye added, “As Christendom is a journey of the cross, it is full of tribulations. Our faith thrived by the blood of our martyred fathers and mothers. Considering this, Christians are not supposed to panic. Previously, Mahibere Kidusan has supported the Jimma Diocese and worked in collaboration with His Grace Abune Estifanos, archbishop of the diocese which has been targeted repeatedly by extremists. The support will continue in the future as well.”

His Holiness Abune Estiphanos, archbishop of Jimma, Illubabor and Gambela diocese, and a member of the Holy Synod, responding to a telephone inquiry said that he saddened much by the incident, and that a committee has been established with members from the diocese, Islamic affairs council, and federal and regional governments and is investigating the incident. His Holiness said that the findings of the committee would be disclosed to the Christian community and MK media department through the diocese.

On June 15, 2016, His Holiness Patriarch Abune Mathias along with Archbishops visited and comforted the victims and their families who have been receiving medical treatment at Black Lion Hospital.

Mahibere Kidusan Launches Encyclopedia of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church

June 16, 2016

By Kassa Nigus

Mahiber Kidasan’s (MK) Research Center announced the launch of Encyclopedia of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church at a ceremony held on June11, 2016 at Semein Hotel. The Encyclopedia is named Bahire Tibebat, temporarily, a Ge’ez term meaning sea of wisdom.

In his opening speech, Deputy Secretary-General of Mahibere Kidusan, Ato Seyfe Alemayehu, made the remark that preparation of the Encyclopedia is one among the major activities carried out by the Research Center of MK. He also thanked Church and university scholars who contributed towards the success of the project.

Director of Research Center, Dr. Abate Mekuria, said that since the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is the owner and source of many invaluable treasures, ancient monuments and has thousands of believers, the absence of church Encyclopedia till now has created a gap not only for the Church but for the country in general. Taking this fact into consideration, Mahiber Kidasan decided to prepare Bahire Tibebat in consultation with the relevant bodies in order to facilitate further the transmission of the teachings of the Church. Dr. Abate added that the Preparation of the Encyclopedia (Bahire Tibebat), directed by an Advisory Board under the chairmanship of Archbishop Abune Lukas, incorporates editorial staff members. The project embraces the involvement of three hundred and seven more local and foreign experts.

Mel’ake Tabor Teshome Zerihun, one of the members of the Advisory Board, in commenting on the matter cited an Ethiopian saying, “journey of a thousand miles begins in one step”. Though the work required many trials and efforts, one should strive using shortcuts to attain the project before one passes away to see its fruition. He also recommended that the term Medbel be incorporated parallel to the word Encyclopedia,
Dr. Mikre Sillasie G/Amanuel, another member of the Advisory Board, thanked Mahibere Kidusan for taking the initiative and start of this project. Though it is sad that Church Encyclopedia is absent till now, now they are sitting there making every effort to attain it. He also added that as the word encyclopedia comes from the Greek word meaning a source of knowledge, it is better to give it an equivalent name for it. He suggested alternative names such as Mezgebe A’emro, Mezgebe Tibebat, Felege A’emro, Felege Tibebat etc.

During the ceremony, the Advisory Board and other members of the editorial board expressed their excitement for being participants in the project. They also added that it is important to anticipate problems through insight so that it is possible to go past it and exhibit patience and understanding. They also underlined the need to ask God in prayer for the success of the project.

During the event, an Advisory Board and an Editorial Board were set up. Accordingly, Prof. Shiferaw Bekele [chairman], Prof. Baye Yimam [vice chairman], Dr. Abate Mekurya [Secretary], became members of the Advisory Board while members for the Editorial Board are Dr Yohannes Adgeh [chairman], Dr. Abebaw Minaye [vice chairman], and Deacon Mulalem Kassa [secretary].

Finally, Dr Yohannes Adgeh, chairman of the project, expressed his appreciation to the participants of the event and the owners of Semien Hotel for letting them use the hall for free. Following the lunch program to the guests, the event was closed in prayer.

18th General Assembly of Mahibere kidusan American Branch launched

June 4, 2016

By America Branch

Mahibere kidusan (MK) America Branch under the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church Sunday School department organized its 18th General Assembly from May 28-29, 2016 in Seattle, Washington DC. The event was attended by more than 400 members of MK, Sunday Sschool students, representatives and management bodies of DC, California and Western America diocese, and invited guests.

In his welcoming speech, Dr. Hilmneh Snishaw, the head of MK American branch office, highlighted the main activities carried out in the course of the budget year. Mel’ake Selam Kesis Mesfin Tegeng, (Dr.), Secretary General of DC diocese, delivered a message on behalf of his grace Abune Fanuel. Father Dejenie Shiferaw, (Dr.), gave a sermon citing 1 Cor. 9:16.

Each department of the branch office presented their respective annual report and plan for the next budget year. Representative of Mahibere Kidusan head office, Like Tiguhan Kesis Mulugeta Seyoum, (Dr.), presented the report of the main office and responded to questions and ideas raised by the participants. He also elaborated on the activities of heretics in particular and the general current issues of the church in general.

A film entitled, “Zikre abew” – reminiscing the lives of fathers – was shown to the audience as part of the 7^th year commemoration of Like Gubae Abera Bekele, who contributed greatly for the expansion of MK services.

In the course of the assembly held as part of the ceremony, 13 new management bodies were elected after prayer was held and lot was cast to lead for the next two years, following the end of the last two year term of the outgoing management.

Finally, it was decided to hold the next 19^th and 20^th general assembly at Boston and Virginia, respectively. The assembly was closed in prayer and hymn of the church.

(Translation – Kassa Nigus)

‘Free Healthcare’ to Ziquala Monastery Community campaign launched

June 4, 2016

By Adama branch office

Mahibere Kidusan Adama branch office, under the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church Department of Kidusat Mekanat provided free medical services to the community of Ziquala Debre Kewakibt Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus Monastery on 15 May, 2016. Abbots, nuns and disciples of the monastery are the main target beneficiaries of the services.

About 38 health professionals including medical specialists, health providers, laboratory technicians from Debre Zeit and Adulala area office and campus students of Adama Medical College participated in this blissful voluntary service.

The abbots, nuns and disciples of the monastery received full health examination, such as hyperbaton, eye examination and diabetics as well as medical support. The medical supplies were funded by Kidusat Mekanat Development and Social service department of the main office and one individual donor. Medical specialists of Adama Eyyor Clinic contributed a lot in this medical campaign by providing medical instruments and medicines.

In addition to the medical services, the disciples of the monastery got personal hygiene and environmental sanitation trainings by the health professionals. Kidusat Mekanat Department of MK Adama branch office offered dressings and body and cloth soaps as part of the campaign. More than 250 communities of the monastery are the beneficiaries of the campaign.

Then, the communities of the monastery expressed their appreciation to Mahibere Kidusan and promised to remember them in their prayers. They also commended MK to keep up the good work. Finally, the campaign was closed by prayer and blessings by the abbots of the monastery.

May the prayer of our Church Fathers be with us!

(Translation – Mesfin Zegeye)

Mahibre Kidusan Launches Its 5th Orthodox Tewahido Exhibition

‘Be versed with EOTC doctrines, and live up to one’s duties’

May 26, 2016

By Mesfin Zegeye

The Special Exhibition organized by Mahibere Kidusan (MK) and eagerly awaited by the laity has been launched in the presence of senior Church fathers, management and members of MK, invited guests, and visitors. The Exhibition will remain open for six consecutive days from May 25 to 30, 2016 at Addis Ababa Exhibition Centre.

Spiritual sermon with verses from the Gospel, referring to the mysterious ways in which God works, accompanied the opening ceremony of the Exhibition. The Exhibition has very important messages to impart particularly to children of the Church but also to the general public, it was underlined.

The motto for the Exhibition focuses on the need for children of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to be well aware of the Church’s doctrine as well as the need for them to play their part in the Church. Components in the Exhibition include major features of the Church and its evangelical mission in the world, in Africa and Ethiopia; current challenges faced by the Church; and the roles the laity are expected to play. The Exhibition, on top of so many illustrations and displays, included audio-visual elements that prove to be very informative and insightful.

The Exhibition helps each member of the laity to take a very close look into oneself as a Christian and the potential role expected of each given the current situation of the Church and oneself. It helps see where oneself stands as a Christian and as a member in the Church community.

Although the Exhibition was originally planned to be staged from March 24 to 30, 2016, it was banned in a move that was not very clear. MK took up the issue with appropriate bodies and managed to achieve the lifting of the ban and the launching of the Exhibition for the laity as well as for the general public.
The Exhibition would remain open from 8 AM to 6 PM for consecutive six days.

8620 new believers baptized in Gilgel Beles of Metekel

April 28, 2016

By Mesfin Zegeye

Some 8620 new believers have been baptized and came into the fold of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church in a historic evangelic mission carried out at three weredas of Gilgel Beles in Metekel diocese, south western parts of Ethiopia, from April 23 – 24, 2016, Mahibere Kidusan Education and Apostolic Service Main Department disclosed.

Through the coordination of Mahibere Kidusan and in cooperation with Metekel diocese, wereda parishes and Gilgel Beles center, residents of Mandura, Dibate and Dawro woreda have been receiving spiritual lessons on the dogma of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church and in preparation for their re-birth before their baptism.

The newly baptized members of the church expressed that they always have had a special place for the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church in their hearts and have been yearning for that day all their lives. They expressed their deepest joy for seeing such a day and becoming children of God and members of the church.

Mahibere Kidusan Launches Oromiffa TV Program in Minnesota

April 21, 2016 (Mahibere Kidusan US Office)

Mahibere Kidusan has launched Oromiffa TV programs in Minneapolis and Saint Paul cities of Minnesota. Transmission commenced on April 17, 2016, the Mahibere Kidusan US Office indicated. Transmission of the TV program is aired starting from 4:00 PM /USA central time/ on Sunday via channel 75.

US Mahibere Kidusan Office encouraged the laity to exploit the good opportunity by tuning to the program. In a separate development, Mahibere Kidusan Office in Minneapolis organized spiritual sessions on April 16 to 17, 2016, sources indicated.

The Banned Exhibition Gets the Green Light

April 20, 2016

Mahibere Kidusan’s 5th Grand Exhibition which was scheduled to be shown from March 24 – 30, 2016 was suddenly suspended following a ban issued by government bodies just a few hours before its planned opening.

After almost a month of uncertainty about the fate of the event, the exhibition has now got the go-ahead for display thanks to a series of discussions Mahibere Kidusan held with concerned government bodied. As per the new schedule, the exhibition will be shown to the public from May 25 – 30 at Addis Ababa Exhibition Center. The exhibition halls will be open from 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM.

Mahibere Kidusan cordially invites Orthodox Christians to attend the exhibition. The exhibition aims at raising the awareness of Orthodox Christians about the challenges the church is facing currently and encourage them to make a difference through simple intervention.