Liturgical Life at Debre Tsion St Mary

Our liturgical services follow the ancient traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, celebrated in the sacred Ge'ez language with rich symbolism, incense, and chanting. Each service connects us to nearly two millennia of unbroken Orthodox tradition and draws us closer to the divine mystery of God's presence among us.

Weekly Services

Divine Liturgy

Sundays • 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Our principal worship service featuring the ancient Anaphora, Eucharistic celebration, and full Ge'ez liturgy with choir, incense, and traditional Orthodox ceremonial.

Ge'ez & AmharicHoly CommunionFull Choir

Holy Sacraments

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church recognizes seven holy sacraments through which God's grace is transmitted to the faithful. Each sacrament marks important spiritual milestones in the Orthodox Christian journey.

Baptism (Temket)

Triple immersion baptism that welcomes new members into the Orthodox Church and the mystical body of Christ through water and the Holy Spirit.

Holy Communion

The central mystery of Orthodox faith where bread and wine become the true Body and Blood of Christ, nourishing souls for eternal life.

Holy Orders

The ordination of men to serve as deacons, priests, and bishops in apostolic succession for the spiritual leadership of the Church.

Confession

The sacrament of repentance and forgiveness where faithful confess sins to a priest and receive absolution and spiritual guidance.

Feast Day Celebrations

Timkat (Epiphany)

January 19th

The most important celebration commemorating Christ's baptism with colorful processions, blessing of waters, and renewal of baptismal vows.

Fasika (Easter)

Varies (Orthodox Calendar)

The resurrection of Christ celebrated with joyous liturgy, breaking of the Lenten fast, and traditional Ethiopian Orthodox Easter customs.

Meskel (Finding of the Cross)

September 27th

Celebration of the discovery of the True Cross with the lighting of the Demera bonfire and special Orthodox liturgical services.

Genna (Christmas)

January 7th

Orthodox Christmas celebrated with special liturgy, traditional games, and Ethiopian cultural festivities honoring Christ's birth.

Maryam Tsion

November 30th

Special celebration honoring St. Mary, Mother of God, our church's patron saint, with elaborate liturgy and community fellowship.

Monthly Memorials

Various Dates

Regular commemorations of saints, martyrs, and departed faithful with special prayers and memorial services throughout the year.

Special Services

Lenten Services

Extended liturgical services during the Great Lent including Passion Week, with increased fasting, prayer, and spiritual preparation for Easter.

  • Extended liturgies
  • Special Lenten prayers
  • Passion Week services
  • Spiritual guidance

Memorial Services

Commemorative services for the departed with prayers for their souls, offering comfort to families and honoring Orthodox burial traditions.

  • Funeral liturgies
  • 40-day memorials
  • Annual commemorations
  • Family support

Blessing Services

Various blessing ceremonies for homes, vehicles, businesses, and special occasions according to Orthodox tradition and Ethiopian customs.

  • Home blessings
  • Vehicle blessings
  • Business blessings
  • Special occasions

Prayer Meetings

Regular prayer gatherings for specific needs including healing prayers, community concerns, and spiritual intercession.

  • Healing prayers
  • Community intercession
  • Special intentions
  • Group fellowship

Service Information

What to Expect

Our liturgical services are conducted primarily in Ge'ez, the ancient liturgical language, with Amharic translations and some English explanations. Services include beautiful chanting, incense, traditional vestments, and active participation from the congregation.

Please dress modestly and be prepared to remove shoes before entering the sanctuary. Services can last 2-3 hours, especially on feast days, as Orthodox liturgy is unhurried and contemplative.

For Visitors

Visitors are warmly welcomed to observe our services and experience Orthodox worship. We're happy to provide guidance and answer questions about our traditions.

Holy Communion is offered to baptized Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared through fasting and confession. We invite all visitors to participate in blessed bread distribution at the end of services.

Schedule a Service

To arrange sacraments, special services, or blessing ceremonies, please contact our church office to speak with our priest and schedule an appropriate time.