“How did this start?” you might ask yourselves as you stand before Saint Michael Old Catholic Mission Church. The story I am about to tell you is a tapestry of faith and community. It highlights the dedication required to establish a place of worship.
The Debre Mehret St. Michael’s Church began in a small room in the Woodner Building. This was on 16th Street in Washington D.C. The year was 1993. About 30 parishioners gathered. Komos Abba Melaku Getaneh, also known as Abune Fanuel, initiated it all.
Services initially included Gospel lessons and atonement liturgy. As the number of attendees grew, the community decided to establish a formal church. The selection of an Ark became their primary focus.
They placed three names of Arks in a ballot. Solemn prayers followed for seven days. Liturgical prayers concluded the process on the seventh day. The name of St. Michael was chosen.
After the announcement, prayers continued. While searching for a rental building, the Art of St. Michael arrived from Ethiopia. This arrival occurred five months after the initial service. On October 3, a colorful ceremony took place. The clergy of St. Mary’s Orthodox Tewahedo Church collaborated in this event.
Finding deacons proved challenging. Liturgy service was hard with only one cleric. But Deacon Samuel Befekadu and Deacon Kassahun Gebre Selassie joined the church. They were students and workers. Two weeks later, Arch Diligent Fikre Adugna Gelaye arrived. He was a student from Harare, Zimbabwe. He came to serve the church.
The first rented space accommodated only 100 people. The membership had doubled. Six months later, they rented a larger space for 200 people. Soon, this new space became crowded. Parishioners stood in corridors and stairwells. They endured this for three years through cold winters and hot summers.
By January 7, the eve of the Ethiopian Christmas, the number of parishioners had increased. The building’s proprietors rented them the largest room. The monthly rate was $2,500. Whenever a larger space was acquired, the number of parishioners doubled. Even the latest space became too crowded.
The clergy and Administrative Committee decided to acquire a permanent edifice. A fund-raising program was instituted. A Fund-raising Committee was formed. It worked with the Administrative Board incorporating Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. This occurred in January 1997.
The Clergy and the Administrative Board proposed using the budget set aside for religious vessels. This budget was $102,000.00. They would use it as a down-payment on a mortgage. Parishioners were asked to make voluntary contributions. This was in accordance with individual ability.
Within three months, the parishioners donated towards the down-payment of a large building. The building cost $600,000.00. It was located in Bladensburg on the North Eastern section of Washington, D.C.
The building was purchased with a $125,000 first payment. The conversion of the building commenced. A tender was posted for construction companies to place bids. Mr. Ayalew Debebe, a parish member and owner of Ayu Construction, bid $185,000 to complete the renovation. He also donated his know-how, time, and money to remodel the Shrine.
All these achievements were made possible by the grace of God. They were also due to the insight of the clergy and the love of the congregation.
Saint Michael Old Catholic Mission Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a symbol of what a dedicated community can achieve. Remember this story as you reflect on the enduring power of collective spirit.