The Departure of Abune Tekle Haymanot

August 30, 2016
St Tekle Haymanot was born in Zorare, a district in Selale which lies on the eastern edge of Shewa in December 24, 1192. He was the son of the priest Tsega Zeab ("Gift of Faith") and his wife Egzi’e Haraya ("Choice of God"). Tekle Haymanot was born after his parents, who had failed to have children, pledged their firstborn to God.

He founded a major monastery in his native province of Shewa. He is the only Ethiopian saint popular both amongst Ethiopians and outside of his country. During his time, Shewa was subjected to a number of devastating raids by Islamic aggression and the anti Christian pagan elements which persecuted the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church.  These raids weakened the morale of the Christians in Shewa, and strengthened the practice of paganism. 

However, the coming of this new Apostle introduces a new era in the renewal of Orthodox Christianity. He preached the gospel across the country especially to southern & south western parts of the country. 
He dedicated his life to God and spent his entire time in prayer, penance and preaching the Word of God. Due to his ardent devotion, he received six wings by his God like the angles as reward for his broken leg whereupon he stood too long on one foot for seven years. Finally, he died at the age of 99 years, 10 months and 10 days. 

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church commemorates the feast of the saint  on 24th day of each month of which some are  great annual  feasts – on Tahisas 24 (January 3), his birth,  Megabit 24 (April 2) his conception), Ginbot 12 (April 20)the departure of his relics and Nehasie 24(August 30) the departure of the saint. 

Based on the covenant God made with His saints as mentioned in various parts of the Holy Scripture, such as (Matthew 10:40- 42), today (August 30), many believers came to his famous Monastery, Debre Libanos which is a place of pilgrimage to celebrate colorfully  the feast of the saint.  

Let us invoke the fatherly intercession of St Tekle Haymanot so that he may help us to promote more intense prayers for unity, love and peace!!
Source:

  • Ethiopic Synaxarium
  •  Gedle Tekle Haymanot (Hagiography of Tekle Haymanot).