OUR SERVICES
BAPTISM (ጥምቀት / ክርስትና )
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Baptism, often referred to as Christening — is one of the Seven Sacraments (Mestirat). It is a deeply sacred and essential rite through which a person is spiritually reborn, cleansed of original sin, and formally joins the body of Christ — the Church.
Baptism is a spiritual rebirth through water and the Holy Spirit (John 3:5). It is the gateway to salvation and the first sacrament a Christian receives. It is a moment when the baptized becomes a full member of the Church. It is a sacred event usually accompanied by naming and anointing.
Infants are baptized at 40 days (for boys) or 80 days (for girls), following Old Testament purification customs (Leviticus 12). Adults can also be baptized upon conversion.
Preparation: A godparent (Christina Abbat/Enat) is chosen to stand on behalf of the child and guide them spiritually. Parents and godparents must attend teachings and confess the faith on the child's behalf.
-
Book the service two weeks ahead
-
present in the church 1 hour ahead from starting of the Liturgy
-
pay for the service fee (Members: free, non-members: $600.00)
Service includes providing certificate of christening
To schedule Christening, please contact the Church at:
Mobile: 901-247-8587
Email: info@debreenqueotc.org
HOLY MATRIMONY (ጋብቻ)
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Holy Matrimony is one of the Seven Sacraments (Mestirat), regarded as a divine and unbreakable union between one man and one woman, blessed by God, and administered by the Church.
It is a sacrament through which a man and woman become one flesh (Genesis 2:24) in the eyes of God and the Church.
The couple is joined by God through sacred prayers, anointing, and blessings.
It is not merely a social or legal contract but a spiritual covenant, reflecting the mystery of Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:32).
We will provide holy matrimonial service including the traditional gowns with its crown for the bride and groom and accompanied by the church choir.
What is required?
-
Book the service two weeks a head
-
Pay for the service fee ($200.00)
-
Should come to church 1 hour before the starting of holy Liturgy
Services includes
-
Special prayer (ጸሎተ ተክሊል) will be provided by the reverend
-
The traditional gowns and crown for both the bride and groom
-
Accompanied by the church choir
-
Provide the marriage certificate.
To schedule a Holy Matrimony service, please contact the Church at:
Mobile: 901-247-8587
Email: info@debreenqueotc.org
REQUIEM (ጸሎተ ፍትሃት)
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, a Requiem is known as "Tselote Fithat" (ጸሎተ ፍትሐት)—a memorial prayer service offered on behalf of the souls of the departed, asking God for mercy, forgiveness, and peace in the afterlife. Tselote Fithat means “Prayer of Absolution” or “Prayer for Forgiveness.”
Purpose:
-
To pray for the forgiveness of sins of the deceased
-
To comfort the living through hope in the resurrection
-
To fulfill a spiritual obligation rooted in love and remembrance
Traditionally, Requiem services are conducted:
3rd day - Honoring the resurrection of Christ on the third day
7th day - Symbolic of spiritual rest (like the Sabbath)
14th and 40th days - The 40th day reflects Christ’s ascension; a major memorial
Annual remembrance - Especially on the 1st anniversary
After Liturgy (Qidasse) - Regular memorials can be done during weekday services
Service fee- (Members: free, non-members: $1000.00)
To request a Requiem service, please contact the Church at:
Mobile: 901-247-8587
Email: info@debreenqueotc.org