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.
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
Join Our Divine Liturgy
Planning Your Visit
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 as Orthodox liturgy is unhurried and contemplative. Never been to an Orthodox service? We warmly welcome first-time visitors!
What to Expect
Experience the beauty of ancient Orthodox worship with traditional Ethiopian music, sacred incense, and ceremonial vestments. Holy Communion is offered to baptized Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared through fasting and confession.
All visitors are invited to participate in blessed bread distribution at the end of services. Our community is happy to provide guidance and answer questions about Orthodox traditions and Ethiopian culture.
Never Miss Divine Liturgy
Add our weekly Divine Liturgy to your personal calendar and receive automatic reminders. Join us every Sunday morning for this sacred celebration of Orthodox faith and community worship.