About Us
About the Church
A Living Faith, Rooted in Ancient Tradition
Welcome to Saint Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. We are a Christ-centered faith community rooted in the ancient apostolic tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church — one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, established in the time of the Holy Apostles and a member of the Oriental Orthodox family.
Ethiopia was among the first nations to embrace Christianity as its national faith. From the moment the seeds of the Gospel were planted by the Apostles, our Orthodox faith has shaped our history, culture, worship, and way of life. Through Holy Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the life-giving Sacraments, we continue to preserve and live out this timeless faith.
Soulful Reflection
Community Unity
Divine Connection
Saint Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Our History
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church traces its roots back to the apostolic age. Christianity reached Ethiopia in the first century through the preaching of the Apostles, fulfilling the biblical account of the Ethiopian eunuch baptized by Philip (Acts 8:26–39) — the earliest seed of the Christian faith on Ethiopian soil.
In the fourth century, under Emperor Ezana of the Aksumite Empire, Christianity became the national religion of Ethiopia through the missionary work of Saint Frumentius, later consecrated as Abune Selama, “Father of Peace,” and the first bishop of Ethiopia. Ethiopia thus became one of the first nations in the world to formally adopt Christianity as a state religion.
As part of the Oriental Orthodox family — alongside the Coptic, Armenian, Syriac, and Indian Orthodox Churches — our Church upholds the ancient Christological teaching of Tewahedo, meaning “being made one,” proclaiming the perfect and inseparable union of the divine and human natures in our Lord Jesus Christ.
For centuries, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has been at the heart of Ethiopia’s spiritual, cultural, and national identity — preserving the faith through monastic life, sacred manuscripts, liturgical music, and an unbroken tradition of worship in the Ge’ez language. Today, the Church serves faithful communities across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, remaining steadfast in its apostolic faith and timeless liturgy.
Here in Columbus, Saint Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was established by Ethiopian community members as a home for worship — a place to carry these traditions forward for our families and future generations.
Our Mission
Saint Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church exists to:
01
Worship & Tradition
Establish and maintain a church of worship in accordance with the teachings of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
02
Divine Services
Conduct services of divine worship and religious observance according to Orthodox tradition and values
03
Education & Culture
Provide spiritual and cultural education that deepens understanding of Ethiopia's history, culture, language, and faith
04
Charitable Outreach
Develop programs and projects that offer charitable services to those in need
05
Sacraments
Provide the sacraments of Baptism, Marriage, and Prayer to our community
06
Community & Love
Build a strong, united Ethiopian Orthodox community grounded in Christ's commandment to love one another
Core Values
What We Stand For
Faith
Holding fast to the apostolic faith handed down through generations
Heritage
Holding fast to the apostolic faith handed down through generations
Community
Welcoming all as family and building lasting bonds of fellowship
Service
Reaching out with charity and compassion to those in need
Saint Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Church Administrations
Archpriest Belate Yirefu
Chief Administrator of the Diocese (Hagere Sebket) of Ohio and its Surrounding Areas
Bishop Samuel
Administrator the Diocese (Hagere Sebket) of Ohio and its Surrounding Areas
Kesis Esayas
Administrator the Diocese (Hagere Sebket) of Ohio and its Surrounding Areas
Kesis Fikreselam
