๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ #Abune #Aregawi Ze Debre Damo (#Tikimt 14)
Dear beloved in Christ, peace and blessings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior.Today, as we remember the blessed father Abune Aregawi (Zemikael Aregawi), one of the Nine Saints who illuminated Ethiopia with the light of the Gospel, we present this teaching that all may learn and be strengthened in the faith.
1. Birth and Early Life
Abune Aregawi, known for his righteousness and holiness, was born in the middle of the 5th century A.D. in Rome. His parents were King Isaac and Saint Edna. Though born to royal lineage, he showed deep humility and spiritual hunger from a young age.
He studied the Holy Scriptures diligently, and in his youth, he left behind worldly glory and entered a monastery to dedicate his life fully to God.
2. His Spiritual Journey
During his time of monastic training, he became a disciple of the great saint Abba Pakumis at the Monastery of Daunas in Egypt, where he also learned alongside Abba Tewodros.
After years of monastic discipline and spiritual growth, he returned to his homeland, Rome, and taught many disciples, leading seven of them into monastic life.
Through fasting, prayer, silence, and humility, Abune Aregawi sought the true path of his Creator. His fame spread throughout many lands, even reaching his homeland.
3. The Fellowship of the Nine Saints
When Abba Zemikael (Aregawi) received the monastic life as a youth, several holy fathers joined him in his spiritual mission. These were:
Abba Lycanos of Constantinople
Abba Yemata of Kusia
Abba Tsihma of Antioch
Abba Guba of Cilicia
Abba Aftse of Esia
Abba Penteleon of Rome
Abba Aleph of Caesarea
All of these fathers came to the monastery of Abba Pakumis, the founder of communal monastic life.
When our father Abba Zemikael saw these blessed brothers, he rejoiced greatly. Abba Pakumis also gave the monastic life to all of them. These saints, having humbled themselves and shown great respect for one another, made humility and patience their perfect treasure and learned the true discipline of monastic life.
They lived with their teacher, Abba Pakumis, for many years, growing in holiness and wisdom.
Although Abba Zemikael was young in age, he was called โAregawi,โ meaning the Elder, because of his deep wisdom, spiritual counsel, and knowledge. The grace of the Holy Spirit rested upon him, and his soul was filled with divine understanding and light.
4. The Journey of Abune Aregawi to Ethiopia
As our holy father Abune Aregawi prayed and sought the will of God, he wondered, โWhere should I go to serve the Lord?โ
At that moment, a holy angel appeared and carried him upon his wings, showing him the land of Ethiopia. When the angel set him down, Abune Aregawi returned to his eight companions and said,
โI have seen a blessed country a land that lives according to the Law of God and His divine order, even though it has not been taught directly by the apostles.โ
Strengthened by this divine revelation, the Nine Saints journeyed together toward Ethiopia with joy and faith.
5. His Arrival in Ethiopia
At that time, Saint Edna, the mother of Abune Aregawi, and his disciple Abba Matthias were also with him.
They arrived in Ethiopia around the year 470 A.D. and were warmly received with honor by Emperor Al-Ameeda. They settled in Ketin (Axum), where they continued to translate the Holy Scriptures and preach the Gospel with zeal and devotion.
Through his teaching, prayer, and example, the light of the true faith grew stronger throughout the land, and many were converted to the worship of the living God.
Continues ๐๐พ