Sunday, June 24, 2011, during the 13th Annual Conference of the North America Archdiocese of the Eritrean OrthodoxChurch, Deacon Dr Tedros Tesfay & Deacon Teklemariam Merka-Zion were ordained priests. The sacrament was performed by His Grace Bishop Mekarius in the presence of several priests, deacons and a large number of laity. The event took place at St. Mary Eritrean Orthodox Church in Bay Area, California where Fr. Tedros had served for some years.
A large choir of deacons, accompanied by drums, sang the traditional song joy and affirmation as His Grace laid his hand on Dns. Tedros & Teklemariam. The song went: “ydeliwo ydeliwo khnet leTedrs & leTeklemariam – Deacons Tedros & Teklemariam are truly deserving of the priesthood.”
Fr. Teklemariam was born and raised in a pious Orthodox family in Eritrea who nurtured and raised him in the Orthodox faith. From the very young age, Fr. Teklemariam was ordained as a deacon in 1948 at St. Mary Orthodox Church in Asmara, Eritrea. He has distinguished himself as a dedicated servant of God and the church ever since.
Fr. Teklemariam served at different capacities in the Orthodox Church. He is the executive editor of the Church’s only news paper, Fenote-Berhan. Fr. Teklemariam is a gifted writer and an intellectual about church issues. Fr. Teklemariam is married to Mrs. Fanna and they have six children.
Fr. Tedros was born and raised in a pious Orthodox family in Eritrea who nurtured and raised him in the Orthodox faith. From the very young age, Fr. Tedros showed keen interest in spiritual matters, and diligently studied to become a deacon. Because of his spiritual maturity, service and leadership ability, he was ordained as a deacon on September 12, 1989 at St. George Orthodox Church in the neighborhood of Alfa Romeo in Asmara, Eritrea. He has distinguished himself as a dedicated servant of God and the church ever since.
Fr. Tedros received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Asmara in 1993 majoring in chemistry. Subsequently, he was sent to the United States to pursue graduate studies. He received Masters of Science from the University of New Mexico in Geology. and successfully completed his doctoral degree, receiving a PhD from the University of South Dakota in hydro-geology. He has been working as a scientist in the field ever since.
Ever since he came to the United States for graduate studies, Fr. Tedros has remained deeply committed as a servant of God and the church. He was one of the few dedicated individuals to organize the annual conference of the diocese. He has remained faithful to the church, providing a much needed leadership during the most critical canonical challenges facing our church. His patience and steadfast work has been a great source of inspiration to so many.
In the past four years, Fr. Tedros has been pursuing theological training at St. Athanasius Theological Seminary along with scores of other Eritrean priests, deacons and laymen teachers. Fr. Tedors is married to Mrs. Arsema. They have four children.
The Eritrean Orthodox Church gives God all the praise for raising a priest and servant the caliber and spirituality of Fr. Tedors.
As we congratulate them on answering this great call to service, we call upon all the faithful of the Orthodox Church to lift them up in their prayers.
May God bless their new calling and ministry!
May all the glory be to God!
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