T
he Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) is one of the oldest Christian Churches, with roots tracing back to biblical times. Based on the Acts of the Apostles (ግብረ ሐዋርያት) 8:26-40, its beginnings are linked to an Ethiopian Eunuch, a treasurer under Queen Candace, who journeyed to Jerusalem to worship the God of Israel. There, he encountered Philip the Apostle, who baptized him. Ethiopian tradition holds that the Eunuch returned home and spread Christianity.
On to the world
The expansion of the EOTC began 1500 years ago with the establishment of monasteries in Jerusalem. Historical records from various sources affirm the presence of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Jerusalem. The EOTC belongs to the Oriental Orthodox Church and is a founding member of the World Council of Churches.
The EOTC has been a source of global pride for Ethiopians and Black people. Ethiopian Orthodox congregations in the Western Hemisphere began in the 1930s, driven by the desire for an indigenous African Church. The first congregations were established in Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana in 1952, followed by churches in Jamaica, Bermuda, England, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Canada, USA, Eastern, and Southern Africa.
In North America, His Grace Abune Yesehaq, who served as Archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in the Western Hemisphere, oversaw the spread of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Churches. Mekane Hiwot Saint Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (MHSMEOTC) was one such church established under his leadership.
Mekane Hiwot St. Micheal Ethiopian Orthodox Church
Formed as a non-profit organization under Chapter 180 Section 501(c)(3) on January 30, 2001, MHSMEOTC operates within the Boston diocese of the Archdiocese of New York and its Surroundings. Dedicated to preserving the ancient Apostolic Oriental Orthodox tradition, the church faithfully upholds the teachings and practices of the Holy Tradition established by Jesus Christ. According to its Articles of Organization, MHSMEOTC’s mission includes:
- Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Providing Spiritual Education and Guidance.
- Administering Sacraments and Rituals of the EOTC.
- Educating Youth about their Cultural Heritage to Empower them as Responsible Citizens.
MHSMEOTC has established bylaws, Articles of Organization, EOTC bylaws (Kalewadi), and other relevant policies and procedures to fulfill its mission.
