Sunday School Programs
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Sunday School (commonly called "የሰንበት ትምህርት ቤት") is a structured and sacred system of religious education designed to nurture children, youth, and adults in the Orthodox faith, traditions, and way of life. It is not just about learning Bible stories — it's about forming Orthodox identity, character, and commitment from a young age.
Sunday Schools are vital for helping children born outside Ethiopia retain their faith, language, and identity.
What is the Purpose?
Sunday School serves as a spiritual foundation and training for all members of the Church, especially children, to:
-
Know the Holy Scriptures
-
Understand the Church’s faith, history, and sacraments
-
Develop a strong personal relationship with God
-
Learn Church liturgy, prayers, hymns (Zema), and fasting rules
-
Live an Orthodox Christian life rooted in love, humility, and service
What Do Students Learn?
Sunday School covers a wide range of spiritual, doctrinal, and cultural content:
Holy Bible - Stories from Old & New Testaments, Gospels, Apostles’ teachings
Church Doctrine - Trinity, Christology (Tewahedo faith), Sacraments, Saints, Resurrection
Liturgy & Worship - Meaning of the Divine Liturgy (Kidasse), prayers, incense, fasting
Language & Hymns - Basics of Ge’ez, Church songs (Zema), Psalms, Mezmur
Moral Teachings - Honesty, obedience, humility, love, spiritual discipline
Feasts & Fasts - Timket, Meskel, Fasika, Tsome Arba, etc.
Who Attends?
-
Children and youth (ages 3–18) are the primary students.
-
Young adults often attend advanced classes.
-
Sunday School Teachers (often trained volunteers) lead classes and activities.
-
Clergy and deacons may teach or supervise in collaboration with parents.
In our Sunday Schools, children learn Zema — the ancient chant tradition of the Church:Liturgical chants used during massUse of kebero
(drum), tsenatsil (sistrum), and mequamia (prayer staff). Students participate in choirs and processions during major feast days.
It is held every Sunday, after the Divine Liturgy (Kidasse). The programs Include prayer, lessons, songs, group activities, and Q&A.