👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾The Holy Repose of #Abune #Tekle #Haymanot, the New Apostle of Ethiopia
(Nehase 24)
Beloved in Christ, today we commemorate the repose of the great Abune Tekle Haymanot of Debre Libanos, the lamp of Ethiopia and the one called Ḥadīs Ḥawārya“the New Apostle.” His memory shines upon us on Nehase 24, together with the repose of other holy fathers and one blessed mother. Their lives, sweeter than honey, are preserved for us as a treasury of faith and endurance.
The Birth and Divine Election of the Saint
Abune Tekle Haymanot his name meaning “ Plant of the faith ” was conceived by the divine will through the helping of the Archangel Michael, to his father, the priest Tsega Zeab, and to his holy mother egzi harya. His birth took place on Tahisas 24, 1197 A.D., yet even before his coming into the world, he was set apart as a chosen vessel.
On the third day of his infancy, he descended from his mother’s arms and proclaimed: “Holy is the Father, Holy is the Son, Holy is the Holy Spirit.” Thus, from his very lips, God’s praise was perfected, as from the mouth of a nursing babe (Psalm 8:2).
The Heavenly Calling
Trained by his father in the sacred liturgy, he was ordained by the Archbishop of Alexandria, Abune Kerlos, and thus consecrated to the service of the Church from his youth. But his destiny was confirmed in the wilderness, where the Archangel Michael appeared and commanded him to abandon the hunting of beasts, and instead to hunt souls for salvation.
Michael announced to him the gifts bestowed by Christ: power to raise the dead, heal the sick, cast out demons, and turn hearts from idols to the true worship of God. The Lord Himself also appeared, blessing him and granting him the apostolic authority first given to the disciples: “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
“Your name shall no longer be Fisḥa tsyōn (Joy of Zion), but Tekle Haymanot. Its meaning is : the Plant of Father, the Plant of Son, and the Plant of Holy Spirit." and From that day, Tekle Haymanot became the new apostle of Ethiopia. with Michael as his unfailing guardian.
His Ministry Across Ethiopia
From that hour, Tekle Haymanot devoted his life to the Gospel. He renounced his possessions, giving them to the poor and to the Church, declaring: “O Lord Jesus Christ! I have left open my house on earth, so that You may open the gate of heaven for me.”
Then he began to travel and preach:
Turning people from sin to righteousness.
Turning people from idolatry to the worship of the true God.
Preached in Damot and Wolayta for 12 years, destroying idol worship and planting the faith.and building churches upon the ruins of false worship. Lived in monasteries across Ethiopia, including Debre Damo, Debre Libanos, and Asbo.
In Tigray and Debre Damo, he embraced the monastic life, enduring hardship and performing countless miracles.
Through his labors, monasteries multiplied, disciples were gathered, and entire peoples were illumined with the light of Christ. Truly, Ethiopia received him as her apostle, and his ministry was adorned with wonders beyond number.
Continues 👇🏾