Our History
A journey of faith, perseverance, and divine providence since 1990
Our Journey
of Faith
From ten faithful souls in a borrowed room to a thriving community with its own home; this is the story of Debre Selam Medhane Alem Orthodox Church.
The Founding — A Seed is Planted
Ten people — eight men and two women — agreed to start a church after a long discussion at St. George’s Church in Antioch on 16th Street, Washington, DC. They named the church “Savior’s House,” and each contributed $200 for the purchase of sacred equipment.
The Founding — A Seed is Planted
Ten people — eight men and two women — agreed to start a church after a long discussion at St. George’s Church in Antioch on 16th Street, Washington, DC. They named the church “Savior’s House,” and each contributed $200 for the purchase of sacred equipment.
First Chapel on Wisconsin Avenue
God willing, they were given a room in the cathedral on Wisconsin Avenue, and the church found its first chapel.
First Chapel on Wisconsin Avenue
God willing, they were given a room in the cathedral on Wisconsin Avenue, and the church found its first chapel.
Deacon W/Tinsae Berhane Joins
Nine months after the founding, Deacon W/Tinsae Berhane joined the ministry at the cathedral, becoming Rev. David’s second assistant. Both devoted their services to the Savior, pledging to serve freely until the church was established.
Deacon W/Tinsae Berhane Joins
Nine months after the founding, Deacon W/Tinsae Berhane joined the ministry at the cathedral, becoming Rev. David’s second assistant. Both devoted their services to the Savior, pledging to serve freely until the church was established.
Transition to 16th & Allison Street
After about a year, the congregation was told to leave the Wisconsin Avenue cathedral. Through the efforts of Father General Goitaom and Mother Sarah, they found a better chapel at 16th & Allison Street.
Transition to 16th & Allison Street
After about a year, the congregation was told to leave the Wisconsin Avenue cathedral. Through the efforts of Father General Goitaom and Mother Sarah, they found a better chapel at 16th & Allison Street.
The Ark Arrives — A Historic Moment
The first-ever Ark of the Covenant from independent Eritrea arrived in the United States, brought by Abune Yaaqob (later the Second Patriarch) and Abune Dioscoros. They anointed and blessed the congregation. This same period, Deacon W/Tinsae traveled to Eritrea, married, and received priesthood from Abune Philipos.
The Ark Arrives — A Historic Moment
The first-ever Ark of the Covenant from independent Eritrea arrived in the United States, brought by Abune Yaaqob (later the Second Patriarch) and Abune Dioscoros. They anointed and blessed the congregation. This same period, Deacon W/Tinsae traveled to Eritrea, married, and received priesthood from Abune Philipos.
Another Move — 16th & S Street
After praying in the chapel for a long time and producing many members, a letter came saying they should leave. The church moved to a chapel on 16th & S Street.
Another Move — 16th & S Street
After praying in the chapel for a long time and producing many members, a letter came saying they should leave. The church moved to a chapel on 16th & S Street.
The Sub-Diocese is Born
Patriarch Abune Philipos attended the World Churches Conference and called all US churches to Atlanta, establishing a sub-diocese in North America. The church accepted the Holy Father’s command, though opposition created temporary obstacles.
The Sub-Diocese is Born
Patriarch Abune Philipos attended the World Churches Conference and called all US churches to Atlanta, establishing a sub-diocese in North America. The church accepted the Holy Father’s command, though opposition created temporary obstacles.
Deacon Tesfahiwot Ghezae Joins
Deacon Tesfahiwot Ghezae joined the congregation.
Deacon Tesfahiwot Ghezae Joins
Deacon Tesfahiwot Ghezae joined the congregation.
Obstacles Removed — Unity Restored
Four members of the Holy Synod — Abune Anthony, Abune Dioscoros, Like Gubae Beyene Iyasu, and Like Hruyan Keshi Tekle Teferi — came from Eritrea and gave the church the governance and guidelines of the law of the church in Eritrea, removing the obstacles. Deacon Tesfahiwot also received his priesthood from these bishops.
Obstacles Removed — Unity Restored
Four members of the Holy Synod — Abune Anthony, Abune Dioscoros, Like Gubae Beyene Iyasu, and Like Hruyan Keshi Tekle Teferi — came from Eritrea and gave the church the governance and guidelines of the law of the church in Eritrea, removing the obstacles. Deacon Tesfahiwot also received his priesthood from these bishops.
A Permanent Home — Our Own Building
Through the prayers, efforts, labor, and money of many fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters, the church purchased its own building in D.C.— free from rent and dependence. The congregation could now meet their God any day and hour they wanted.
A Permanent Home — Our Own Building
Through the prayers, efforts, labor, and money of many fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters, the church purchased its own building in D.C.— free from rent and dependence. The congregation could now meet their God any day and hour they wanted.
A Thriving Community of Faith
Over 100 Sunday School children learn across six age-based classes. 428 children baptized. 66 couples united in covenant marriage. The church continues to grow — fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission to teach all nations.
A Thriving Community of Faith
Over 100 Sunday School children learn across six age-based classes. 428 children baptized. 66 couples united in covenant marriage. The church continues to grow — fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission to teach all nations.
More to Come...
Our story is still being written. Stay tuned as we continue to document the journey of Debre Selam Medhane Alem.
More to Come...
Our story is still being written. Stay tuned as we continue to document the journey of Debre Selam Medhane Alem.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”— Proverbs 22:6
Be Part of Our Story
Join us as we continue writing the next chapter of faith, community, and service.