The Short Biography of Archbishop Abune Nathnael (1923- 2008 E.C)
March 10, 2016
By Kassa Nigus & Tsegaye Girma
His Grace Abune Nathanael was born on May 12, 1923, to a pious Christian family in Eastern Tigray, Killite Awlalo province, parish of Awda Saint Giyorgis church. His father was Ato Gebre Hiwot Atsedu and his mother w/ro Welete Kristos Gibretu. His Grace was born when his parents in grief because of the death of their children born before him.
He grew in hardship since his parents died in his early age, first his father and later his mother. After the loss of his parents, he started to live with his sister. His sister planned to raise him in accordance with parenting habits of the localities, to shepherd livestock, engage in agricultural activities and eventually to lead a married life. But, God chose him to shepherd men.
His Grace once told his associates, “my father was a pious and had been called me, “Abatachin” to mean our father since my early age but I didn’t prefer it. My teacher and some men prophesized about my future fate saying, he will be a great man.”
Education
• He joined Nibab bet (where instructions are given to identify Ge’ez alphabet with their syllable and master readings of various religious texts) at Deriba Abune Asay Church, Yeneta Welde Gabriel. Then, he moved to different parts of the country to upgrade his religious education. Originally his name was called Kassa but later he was named Me’aza Kidusan in accordance with the custom of traditional school of the church which gave the disciples new names to protect them from their parents’ interference in their studies.
• He, then, went to Lasta, (Amera Mariam church) and Gojjam (Beyela Iyyesus church) and studied Tsome digua and Me’eraf from teachers in the respective parishes, Yeneta Hailu and Yeneta Mekonnen respectively. He further studied Zema, Qinie and Akuakuam in North and south Gondar, at Debark Deresge Maryam from Yeneta Menberu, and at Endabet Shime Giyorgis from Yeneta Tibebu.
• He studied interpretation of Old and New Testament, Wuddasie Maryam (Praise of St Mary) and Kiddasie Maryam (Liturgy of St Mary), Fitha Negest (Justice of kings), Timhirte Hibu’at and Kidan commentary.
• He also perused his studies for two years and received a diploma in Theology from Holy Trinity College.
• Through the scholarship award by Emperor Haile Sillasie, he was sent to Jerusalem St Georg Anglican Church and studied Church History and Administration for two and a half years.
• Through the facilitation of Ministry of Education, he also went to England Oxford Osherop Catholic College for four years and graduated in Bachelor of Dignity Basic Philosophy Super mental and Developmental Psychology. His Grace was among high-ranking intellectuals of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church fathers.
Ordination
• In 19 38, he was ordained Deacon by Abune Yeshak at Addis Ababa, Memorial of Minilik II, Ta’eka Negest Be’ata Lemariam Monastery. It is when he came barefoot from Gondar to Shewa.
• In 1953, he was earned three levels of spiritual service: priesthood, monkhood and episcopate by Abune Baslios.
• On January 13, 1971, he was among the 13 consecrated bishops and entitled as His Grace Abune Nathanael. He, was assigned archbishop of Tigray Diocese and served there till 1975.
Teaching and leadership
He has been appointed to teach Ethical Education at Teferi Mekonnen School by the good will of Emperor Haile Sillasie from 1949 to 1954. This was rationally done to solve the religious variance between Jesuit students and their teachers after the Emperor found out the situation of the school.
Following his return from abroad, he served as vice administrator at Holy Trinity Cathedral Church (the greatest and famous cathedral of the country) and from 19 57 – 19 60 and chief administrator from 1964 – 1967.
At the time of Emperor Haile Silesia, he was also privileged to preach the gospel in a title, “Biblical studies and social life in the eyes of the church”which was aired in the church’s radio program.
From 19 68 – 19 71, he served as a teacher in the department of Academy of Linguistic studies, at Ministry of culture.
During the reign of Derg, he was the supreme guardian and member of the board of Sebbeta Bete Denagil Church. He was also persecuted for his teaching against the dictatorial rule of Dergue. During the Derg’s persecution, he said, “I am happy for God chooses me to share the fate of the Apostles and it is my apostolic responsibility.”
During his service in Tigray diocese, he accomplished some from his plans despite his many responsibilities since the time was a time of war between the then military rule and the current government of Ethiopia (EFDR). Among his main accomplishments, he tried to rehabilitate churches in collaboration with Christian Relief & Development Associations (CCRDA) since church land was nationalized by the military rule; he also established parish council for churches that have no parish councils.
After six years of service in Tigray diocese, he was assigned to serve in Arsi where he performed much apostolic service for about 33 years. In his stay in Arsi, he was the very loved and respected father by the believers. When His Grace became archbishop of Arsi Diocese in 1975, there were only 117churches there. Today, there are over 300.
After the death of the fifth Ethiopian Patriarch H.H Abune Paulos in 2004, he was elected unanimously by the Holy Synod to be Akabe Menber (the keeper of the throne) and to serve the church till the current Patriarch Abune Mathias was elected in 2005.
One of the most remarkable contributions of His Grace in Arsi diocese is Debr Kidus Debre Me’aza Abune Tekle Haymanot Monastery which he established in Asella town.
Previously, the land where the monastery is built was known as the palace of the officials of Emperor Haile Sillasie, but His Grace convinced current government officials and took possession of the land for the monastery. His Grace also established children development institute and clergy training center within the compound of the monastery. He has been raising orphans without religious discrimination till now.
His Grace Abune Nathanael also established a health center in collaboration with European Union. The clinic has offered services to more than 25,000 people in the locality including orphans. His Grace also participated in helping the needy by collecting funds from the donors especially during the drought of 19 77. He takes part in conflict resolution efforts as well.
His Grace passed away at the age of 85 on Yekatit 21, 2008 and was laid to rest at Debr Kidus Debre Me’aza Abune TekleHaymanot Monastery which he himself founded on Yekatit 24, 2008. The funeral service was attended by numerous archbishops, church scholars and the public at large.
May the blessings and prayer of His Grace be up on us!
Note: the date is in Ethiopian Calendar (E.C.).
Source:
• January 4, 1971 E.C. Zena Betekristiyan, monthly news paper published by Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church.
• April 1998 E.C. Sem’a Tsidk, bimonthly newspaper published by Mahibere Kidusan.
• Unpublished documentary life story film of His Grace Abune Nathnael.
• Mahiber Kidusan Amharic website retrieved on March 3, 2016 at (http://eotcmk.org/site/-mainmenu-18/2079-2016-03-02-06-57-23).