About Debre Haile
Kidus Gabriel and Kedus Yohannes Metimik
Established on April 18, 1997 by the followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo religion with the exclusive purpose of serving the Ethiopian Community in the Washington, D.C. metro area
Our church is making all the Preaching available for all to use any time. Every week we are streaming the Divine Liturgy and preaching live and then we archive all the recorded videos for later to use.
The Debre Haile Kidus Gabriel and Kedus Yohannes Metimik Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was established on April 18, 1997 by the followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo religion with the exclusive purpose of serving the Ethiopian Community in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The church services are lead by two priests assisted by two deacons who regularly provide sacramental and other services to the community. The congregation has continued to grow for the past 13 years, and currently has over 250 families. To better serve the congregation and the community at large, a vast scale expansion began since 2005 and in April, 2008 the congregation was able to buy and own a church building. On June 1st , 2008 the first liturgy was conducted in the new church building. The number swells into a few thousands on special religious observances such as the annual holidays to honor and celebrate the deeds of Saint Gabriel, and that of Saint John the Baptist.
The church is administered by Board of Trustees, chaired by Komos Abba Meaza Beyene, who are elected for three years, and serve for not more than two consecutive terms. A general assembly of members elect the Board of Trustees and entrust them with the overall management of the Church. Currently, the congregation and the community is taking a series of measures to expand and develop the church services so as to allow the Church to serve both as a place of worship and a center of culture for all Ethiopians in the area. We are praying that our wish be realized with the help of God and continued support of the community. We are delighted that you have visited us today. Here, you can find information on who we are, what we do, as well as contact information if you are new to our church, and interested in getting to know your brothers and sisters at Kedus Gabriel and Kedus Yohannes Metmik Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Please feel free to view any pages from our website. It is our hope that you will visit our Church some day in the future. Please consider supporting us in every way you can to bring our dream true. For additional information, please feel free to contact: Aba Meaza Beyene (Head of the church) Phone: 202-722-7140 God Bless.
Clergy
Religious leader, Spiritual guide & perform religious duties
BIRTH
Abba Meaza Beyene was born on January 22, 1954 in the parish of Amba Mariam in Norhthern Shoa, Ethiopia.
EDUCATION
Abba Meaza began fulfilling his call to God’s ministry at his young age while attending his elementary school education. Upon this call, Abba Meaza decided to commit his life to serve God. Abba Meaza began his theological discipline by attending the Ethiopian Orthodox Church Liturgy at the Amba Mariam Monastery where he served as a Deacon. In 1977, Abba Meaza became a Monk at Debre Libanos Monastery, which is located in Norhtern Shoa, Ethiopia. He advanced his theological education by attending the Menelik II Theology Center from 1979 to 1983. In addition, he pursued further studies at the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarch’s Office from 1984-1994 in Addis Ababa.
LEADERSHIP
Abba Meaza was ordained a priest in 1977 and was sent to Amba Mariam parish where he ministered until 1979. From 1979 through 1983, Abba Meaza was a priest at Beata Saint Mary’s Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia while studying at the Menelik II Theology Center. Abba Meaza served the Holy Savior parish from 1984 through 1994 as a preacher and then became the Deputy Administrator of the parish. From 1994 through 1996, he served the Kuskam Saint Mary Church as the Head administrator. Abba Meaza had served several churches in Ethiopia as a senior priest before migration to the United States of America in 1996. In 1997, he founded the Debre Haile Kidus Gabriel & Kidus Yohannes Metemik Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Washington, D.C. and has been serving the church as senior priest since that time. Over the nineteen years under his leadership, the Debre Haile Kidus Gabriel & Kidus Yohannes Metemik Ethiopian Orthodox Church has increased in number and continues to grow. Abba Meaza’s vision is to spread the Gospel to as many people as he can, and he has been diligently making every effort to achieve this goal.
Member of the Board
Aba Meazakerstos Beyene
Chairman
Leads the church’s governing board and council, ensuring the effective functioning of the church’s leadership and operations.
Michael Balcha
Children and Education Department
organizes Sunday School and Bible study classes for children and youth and Christian education materials (Bible stories, lessons, activities, etc.
Shemelse Tedesse
Vice Chairman
Assists the Chairman (usually the Senior Pastor or Board Chairman) in leading the church’s administrative and spiritual matters.
Bethlehem Merawi
Secretary
Manages schedule, appointments, and meetings Prepares meeting, and necessary documents for church board or leadership meetings.
Abraham Woldemariam
Public Relation Office
Acts as the spokesperson for the church, handling official statements and media interactions and distributes press releases, newsletters. The church events and initiatives and effective communication between the church leadership, congregation, and the public.
Tagel Nicola
Treasurer
Oversee and manage the organization’s finances. This includes budgeting, financial planning, monitoring cash flow, managing investments, and ensuring financial records are accurate and compliant with regulations.
Eleni Lakew
Cashier
Handle financial transactions, such as processing payments, issuing receipts, and managing cash or electronic payments.
Yehunlesh Mekonen
General Service
Manage and oversee essential operational functions that support the overall work environment. This includes handling facilities management (such as maintenance, cleanliness, and safety, etc.
Metsihet L Kebede
IT Department
Manage and support the organization’s technology infrastructure. This includes maintaining computer systems, networks, and software, ensuring data security, troubleshooting technical issues.
Debre Haile Kidus Gabriel and Kedus Yohannes Metimik Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was established on April 18, 1997
The Debre Haile Kidus Gabriel and Kedus Yohannes Metimik Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was established on April 18, 1997 by the followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo religion with the exclusive purpose of serving the Ethiopian Community in the Washington, D.C. metro area