In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God, Amen.
Holy Trinity Eritrean Tewahdo Orthodox Church of Cincinnati, Ohio celebrated Her first Divine Liturgy at the newly purchased property. His Grace Abune Mekarios presided over the celebration accompanied by priests and deacons from the local area, as well as those who traveled to Cincinnati for this special occasion.
It is to be remembered that Fr. Athanasius was ordained as a priest for Cincinnati on June 24, 2010. Under his guidance, the congregation has been growing steadily. However, the church was unable to provide adequate service to the congregation as the property used for church services was not our own. Our loving God, who knows all our needs, granted the answer to our prayers in a miraculous way. In October 2012, Holy Trinity Eritrean Tewahdo Orthodox Church acquired a property way below the market price, which is just right for us in terms of size and location.
The congregation, encouraged by what God has done for us, mobilized to convert the newly acquired building into a church. Many worked tirelessly through the past five months. Although there is much work yet to be done, the past five months are a testimony of what people of purpose can achieve when working for the glory of God.
Saturday, March 2, 2013 was a culmination of all the tireless efforts of the past 5 months. At 5 am the celebration started with a prayer of Morning Praises (ማህሌት) followed by Prayer of the Covenant (ኪዳን) and Pre-Liturgy Litany (ሊጦን).
During the Liturgy, three were ordained to the order of the diaconate as Psaltos and one as an Anagnostos to serve the growing congregation of Cincinnati. This was received with much ululation, applause and the whole congregation chanting “You are worthy” (ይደልዎ) after each person was ordained. H.G. Abune Mekarios also gave an inspiring Homily following the reading of the Gospel. After the Liturgy, the clergy made a procession around the church.
Following the Liturgy, the faithful gathered in the gate of peace (deje selam – the church hall where the agape/common meals are shared). The ladies of Holy Trinity had prepared a mighty feast. During the agape meal, Aboune Mekarios gave the congregation words of advice and other speakers also expressed their joy.
The Congregation of Holy Trinity Church would like to express our deep felt gratitude to all those who have travelled from near and far to celebrate such a joyous occasion with us. We also take this opportunity to say thank you to all who gave generously to support the church’s ministries.
Special thanks to:
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ይትባረክ እግዚአብሔር አማላከ አበዊነ
May the God of our fathers bless the fruit of our labor to spread His Word.
May God grant good health and long life to our Patriarch Abune Antonios
May God bless the ministry of our Bishop Abune Mekarios.
Holy Trinity Eritrean Tewahdo Orthodox Church
Cincinnati, Ohio
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