👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾 The Feast of #Abune_Gebre_Menfes_Kidus: A Spiritual Reflection
Beloved in Christ, today we commemorate a significant event in the Christian Orthodox tradition of Ethiopia: the annual feast of our righteous father, Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus, also known as the anniversary of the Holy Spirit. This date marks not merely a temporal celebration but a spiritual journey into the heart of divine intercession and monastic virtue.
The Virgin Mary's Divine Intervention
The feast begins with a profound act of spiritual symbolism: the Virgin Mary, in her boundless grace, bestowed an "eye of light" upon Abune Gebre. This sacred gift represents enlightenment, guidance, and a renewal of faith, reaffirming the Virgin’s role as a nurturing mediator in the lives of the saints and the faithful.
Abune Gebre's Ascetic Struggle in Zkala
Abune Gebre's life was a testament to the power of prayer and divine dedication. In the desolate expanses of Zkala, he stood as a bastion of holiness, praying relentlessly for the sins of the Ethiopian people. His commitment was such that God entered into a covenant of mercy with him, ensuring that those who invoked his name would remember the people of Ethiopia with compassion and favor.
For seven years, Abune Gebre remained in the desert, his gaze fixed heavenward, embodying the scriptural call to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). His unyielding posture, with arms outstretched to the sky, was a living symbol of unbreakable faith and resistance against spiritual despair.
The Temptation and Victory over Evil
However, such divine devotion drew the ire of the devil, who sought to disrupt Abune Gebre’s prayers by appearing as a crow. This moment echoes the broader scriptural theme where Christ advises, "It is better for you to enter heaven with one eye than to enter hell with two eyes" (Mark 9:47). Abune Gebre's encounter with the devil illustrates the perennial battle between the forces of good and evil—a battle in which the righteous, through steadfast faith and prayer, can claim victory.
Holiness: The Core of Abune Gebre's Teaching
Abune Gebre’s life and teachings underscored the essence of holiness: a scorn for the transient allure of this world and a profound yearning for eternal life. He taught that holiness involves setting oneself apart for God, embodying purity, and resisting worldly temptations. This call to holiness is a journey out of spiritual "Karan," akin to Abraham’s departure from his homeland by divine command (Genesis 12:1), urging us to seek the 'Canaan' that is the Kingdom of God—a realm of divine milk and honey.
Monasticism and its Spread in Ethiopia
Abune Gebre was pivotal in spreading monasticism in Ethiopia. The narrative of Ethiopian monasticism spans from the arrival of Christianity in 34 AD, with further solidification by Father Selama Kesate Berhan in the 4th century, to the flourishing of monastic orders between the 3rd and 15th centuries. Abune Gebre’s era, particularly, saw a transformation as monasticism was embraced from north to south, establishing a vibrant spiritual landscape enriched by the monasteries of Zzkala and Madre Kebd.
Legacy and Miracles
The spiritual legacy of Abune Gebre transcends borders. His journeys to Yemen and Sudan, spreading the gospel and converting many from pagan worship to Christianity, are monumental. His miraculous healing of the sick in the name of Jesus Christ further cements his sanctity and the power of faith.
Throughout Ethiopia, churches dedicated in his honor stand as beacons of his enduring spiritual influence, with the faithful reciting praises that invoke his blessings for healing and divine intercession.
Conclusion: A Call to Holiness
In concluding this reflection on the feast of Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus, we are reminded of the profound spiritual depth and the transformative power of holiness. As we commemorate his feast day, let us embrace his teachings, seeking to live a life marked by prayer, resilience against temptation, and a deep-seated yearning for the divine.
(Continues) 👇🏾