Our Faith

Our faith is based on the orthodox faith, dogma, order, and spiritual tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Because our Church is ancient, historical, and apostolic, its life and structure are established upon the Holy Scriptures, Holy Tradition, the Holy Liturgy (Qeddase), prayer, the seven fasting periods, repentance, and the Sacraments of the Church.

Our Church believes in the Holy Trinity in unity and trinity (One in Godhead, Three in Persons) — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, for the salvation and redemption of mankind, she worships our Lord, Savior, and God Jesus Christ, who took flesh from the flesh and soul from the soul of Our Lady the Holy Virgin Mary (became incarnate), was crucified, died, was buried, resurrected conquering death on the third day, and will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.

The word “Tewahedo” (meaning “made one” or “unified”) is the pillar and foundation of our religion. It signifies the profound theological mystery of the Incarnation (Mistera Segawe), where the divinity and humanity of our Lord Jesus Christ became one person and one nature without mixture, without change, without separation, and without division. This faith is the primary foundation for the life, order, and spiritual journey of our Church.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo spiritual life is founded on prayer, the Holy Liturgy, fasting, repentance, the celebration of feasts, reading the Holy Scriptures, as well as love and humility. She teaches the faithful to remain steadfast in the Orthodox faith, walk in holy virtues, and be strengthened in the unity of the Church.

Honor of Our Lady, the Holy Angels, and the Righteous

According to the faith and tradition of our Church, we give a special and honorable place (the veneration of grace / Tsega Sigdet) to Our Lady the Holy Virgin Mary who gave birth to God. Because she is the mother of our Lord and the intercessor for all creation, we honor her as the “Mother of God” (Weladite Amlak).

Additionally, we honor the holy angels who stand before the throne of God constantly praising Him, protecting, and interceding for mankind. We also honor the saints, the righteous, and the martyrs who despised the world, shed their blood, and fought the good spiritual fight for the love of God; and we firmly believe in their prayers, intercessions, and the covenants granted to them.

St. Michael — Our Protector and Intercessor

As our association is named after the Archangel St. Michael, we offer the veneration of grace and honor due to the Archangel St. Michael according to the order of our Church. In the Holy Scriptures and Church tradition, St. Michael is a faithful servant of God, the chief of the holy angels, a helper of the faithful, a deliverer, and a protector.

Gathering in the name of St. Michael is a symbol of spiritual strength, perseverance, faithfulness, and sincere service for us. Through the intercession and prayer of his holiness offered before God, we constantly beseech God the Most High to protect and bless our association, the faithful, families, and children from all evil.

Our faith is not merely expressed in words but is a true Christian life lived in prayer, good deeds, community love, fellowship, and humility. We lovingly and joyfully welcome all who wish to learn about our Orthodox Tewahedo faith in the proper order, ask questions, and grow together in spiritual life.