Misrake Tsehaye Saint Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Spokane, Washington, has recently acquired a new place of worship. Previously, the congregation had been holding services in the basement of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church for over four years.

As their numbers grew, they sought a larger space and were able to purchase the building at 4202 North Belt St. in North Spokane. The sale was finalized after Messiah Lutheran Church closed its doors following 73 years of service in the community. The purchase was made possible through funds raised by the St. Mary congregation, and the transition was viewed by both parties as a divine act .

The church now offers a vibrant and growing community, with services conducted in Geeze, Amharic and English, and a Sunday school program for children. The congregation is actively involved in preserving their traditions and fostering spiritual growth in the Spokane area.

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There are two events happen in our church.

The Cross of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

#Geshen_Debre_Kerbe

September 21 is the day when the Cross of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was enshrined at Geshen Debre Kerbe on Mount Ambasel in South Wollo, and the festival is celebrated in its honour.

The story is as follows: Emperor Dawit was a devout and compassionate king. During his reign, a plague broke out across Ethiopia, and the people suffered greatly. Deeply grieved by their affliction, he turned to God in prayer. A messenger sent by God appeared to him and said, “If you bring the Cross of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to your country, Ethiopia, and build a church in which to enshrine it, all famine and plague will be healed.”

Emperor Dawit sent emissaries to Jerusalem bearing many gifts, with the message: “Send me the Cross of Our Lord.” Upon hearing that the messengers were returning with the Cross, he declared, “Let the army prepare to receive it.” He set out to meet them, and when he reached Snar (Sudan), he received the Cross with great honour and began the journey to bring it to central Ethiopia. However, on October 9, he fell from his mule and died. His army, overcome with grief, left the Cross in Snar and returned to Ethiopia carrying the body of Emperor Dawit.

The Cross remained in Snar until Emperor Dawit’s son, Zera Yacob, ascended to the throne. He brought the Cross to central Ethiopia and sought to build a church to house it, but a suitable place could not be found. The king and his army searched at length, placing the Cross at Mount Erer, Debre Birhan, Managesha Mariam Amba, and Entoto Gara at various times. While the Cross rested at Entoto, God spoke to the king in a vision, saying: “Amen — a cross, a cross, a cross! Place My Cross on the mountain of the cross.” He was commanded to take the Cross to Wollo.

Guided by God, the king and his army journeyed to Wollo, where Our Lord directed them to Mount Ambasel, saying: “Amen — a cross, a cross, a cross! Place My Cross on the mountain of the cross.” There they found the mountain of the cross, built a church, and in 1446 AD, solemnly enshrined the Cross of Our Lord.

Following this, the king proclaimed: “May its centre be paradise and its gate be fire! No flying bird or falcon shall be hunted here! No man who has accidentally taken a life or caused injury shall be seized here!” He further decreed that the Tablet of Our Lady be placed at Geshen Debre Kerbe.

For these reasons, September 21 is celebrated with great joy and devotion each year in our Church. It is written in the Book of the Prophets that all believers who confess their sins to a priest, repent sincerely, and pray and supplicate at Geshen Debre Kerbe on this day will receive a covenant of mercy extending to seven generations.

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March 5 – Abune Gebre Menfess Kidus

On March 5, as Saturday turned into Sunday, the night had already passed. Our father, Abune Gebre Menfess Kadu, was still enduring great suffering from his illness. In the midst of his pain, he continued in deep prayer, crying out:

“Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance—Ethiopia.”

His illness had begun on Friday, March 3. When news of his condition spread, many faithful servants and saints—Zeraburuk, Fre Kadu, Jacob, Benjamin, and Joseph—along with the king of Ethiopia at that time, set out to visit him. Yet they were unable to reach him.

They beheld him from afar, lying like a lion in a wilderness where there was no tree. The grace of God rested mightily upon him. A radiant light shone from his face with a reddish glow, and his long hair appeared like white silk. All who saw him were filled with wonder and amazement at his holy appearance.

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