Prayers rose to the heavens. These prayers led to the founding of Debre Mehret St. Michael’s Church. It began on May 30 1993. About 30 parishioners gathered in a small room. This room was in the Woodner Building on 16th Street in Washington D.C.
Initially the services focused on lessons from the Gospel. They also included the liturgy of atonement. As attendance grew a decision was made. They decided to establish a church. The selection of the Ark became the primary focus. Three names of Arks were placed in a ballot. Solemn prayers were held for seven days. Liturgical prayers followed on the seventh day.
St. Michael’s name was picked. Further prayers continued after the nomination. While searching for a building to rent the Art of St. Michael arrived from Ethiopia. On October 3 five months after the service took place a ceremony occurred. This colorful ceremony happened in collaboration with St. Mary’s Orthodox Tewahedo Church clergy.
The congregation prayed for deacons because it was difficult to hold liturgy with only one cleric. Deacon Samuel Befekadu and Deacon Kassahun Gebre Selassie joined. They were studying and working concurrently. Two weeks later Arch Diligent Fikre Adugna Gelaye arrived from Harare Zimbabwe. He was a student at Christian College of Southern Africa. He came to serve the Church through God’s will and gracious support.
The first building rented accommodated only 100 people but membership doubled. Six months later a larger space was rented for 200 people at a higher rate. Soon this space also became crowded. Parishioners stood in corridors and stairwells. They patiently endured this inconvenience for three years. This was during cold winters and hot summers. As of January 7 the eve of the Ethiopian Christmas the proprietors rented the largest room. The monthly rate was $2500. Whenever a larger space was acquired the number of parishioners doubled. Even the latter space became too crowded.
The Clergy and the Administrative Committee extensively discussed solving the problem. A unanimous decision was reached to acquire an edifice. The preliminary task was to institute a fund-raising program. In January 1997 a Fund-raising Committee was formed. It worked with the Administrative Board incorporating Washington D.C. Maryland and Virginia States.
After further discussions the Clergy and the Administrative Board proposed something. They wanted to use the budget of $102000 set aside for religious vessels and ecclesiastical activities. This would serve as a down-payment on the mortgage. Parishioners were asked to make voluntary contributions. They completed pledge forms according to their individual ability. This was for the down-payment. St. Paul taught “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart not grudgingly or of necessity for God loves a Cheerful giver.”
Within three months parishioners donated towards the down-payment of a large building. It cost $600000 in Bladensburg on the North Eastern section of Washington D.C. The building purchase required a first payment of $125000. Through St. Michael’s guidance the building conversion commenced. A tender was posted for construction companies to place bids. This was to convert the building in accordance with regulations and laws. Mr. Ayalew Debebe owner of Ayu Construction offered a bid for $185000 to complete the renovation. He also donated his know-how time and money to remodel the Shrine.
All this was made possible by God’s Grace the clergy’s insight and the congregation’s love. The Saint Michael Church stands as a testament to faith community and perseverance.