Established in 1972 the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Keraneyo Medhane Alem in Toronto holds a unique place in Canadian history. It was the first Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Canada. Imagine a time before this church existed. A small community of Ethiopian immigrants yearned for a place of worship that mirrored their rich traditions. They wrote to Abba Laike Mandefro inviting him to Toronto. He willingly accepted.
On July 20 1972 Abba Laike Mandefro arrived. He administered sacraments to 53 people. This momentous occasion took place at St Michael’s All Angels Anglican Church. This was before the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Keraneyo Medhane Alem had its own building. After the service Tesfa Selassie and Surafel were appointed as readers. Abba Laike Mandefro also established a Board of Trustees for the nascent church.
The church’s early years were marked by several moves. Initially the congregation worshipped at a building on Bathurst and Wells Street. Later they moved to The Bond Church on Avenue Road. Abba Laike Mandefro played a key role in establishing the church as predominantly English-speaking. Emperor Haile Selassie I authorized the translation of ancient Ge’ez and Amharic texts into English. This was a significant step in adapting the church’s traditions to its new Canadian context.
The congregation eventually purchased its first building at 425 Vaughan Road. Initially it functioned as a grocery store and restaurant. This generated revenue to support the church’s operations. Later it was converted into a place of worship. In 1987 His Eminence Abune Yesehaq consecrated the sanctuary.
The church continued to grow. A second branch Menbere Berhan Kidest Mariam Saint Mary was established in 1991. In 1999 the Medhane Alem Church relocated to its current location at 23 Denison Road East. On July 23 2000 the church was consecrated by His Eminence Archbishop Abune Yesehaq. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Keraneyo Medhane Alem stands as a testament to faith perseverance and the enduring spirit of a community that has found a home in Toronto. Its history reflects the journey of many Ethiopian immigrants their spiritual resilience and their contributions to the vibrant cultural landscape of the city. The church continues to serve its community today a beacon of faith in the heart of Toronto.