Feast of Abune Tekele Himanot
January 2, 2023
In Damot restrict, Bulega, Tselalesh, in Etisa village, there were two righteous God fearing people, called Priest Tsega Zeab and Egzihareya. While they were living by the commandment of God and with religious diligence, the King Motelemi was brutally ruling and torturing them.
The King desired the beautiful Egizihareya to be his wife and so hunted the Priest. But, God was with them both and Tsegazeab was protected from his enemy who attempted to kill him. His wife as well was saved from the hunt of the King’s soldiers. Saint Michael led her all the through and across the sea.
During these times, Priest Tsegazeab was in transhumance. However, where he was travelling to, he did not seize to serve God at Church. After a long suffering, God send Saint Michael to lead Egizihareya to the Church where Tsegazeab was serving. She stood to at the gate of Holy Church praising God covering her entire body and Priest Tsegazeab was serving wearing the Priest Gown, burning license and blessing. Then, Egizihareya saw her husband and the two couples reunited again. On April Megabit 24 (Abune 2) Tekele Haimnaot was conceived and born on Tahisas 24 (January 2). He then praise God saying, “The One Father is Holy, the one Son is Holy, the one Spirit is Holy.”
Priest Tsegazeab and Egizihareya named their son “Fisha Tsion” to mean “The happiness of Zhion.” They raised blessed child with church education and under the law of God. Then one day, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came to him and chose him to preach holy gospel, as an apostle. He also changed his name to “Tekele Haimanot” which means “The plant of religion, The plant of holy Father, plant of Holy Son, Plant of holy spirit.” After this, he was appointed as deacon, then a priest before he went Haike Estifanos “Lake Stephen” where he served for ten years as a monk. He has also served in Debre Damo and travelled to Jerusalem. Afterwards getting back, he preached in most of the country south parts of Ethiopia for ten years. Then he went Debre Libanos and prayed for one of his leg was broken and God gave him six wings. He has lived diligently until his death.
On April Megabit 24 (Abune 2) Tekele Haimnaot was conceived and born on Tahisas 24 (January 2). He then praise God saying, “The One Father is Holy, the one Son is Holy, the one Spirit is Holy.”
May his intercession be with us, amen!