HISTORY

Mekane Rama St. Gabriel Church is an affiliate of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo church which was established in 1986 by a handful of followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

The church started its Divine Liturgical Service by arranging a rental place from sister churches. Due to limitation of the rental hours, the church service was limited. There were not full holiday services or detailed gospel preaching. Understanding the limitation of service from a rented church, the community gradually raised enough money for down payment and purchased this church at 505 Coyote Rd, San Jose, Ca 95111, where we are getting blessing and services today. This church was bought in 2004 with a down payment of a million dollars and taking $2.5 million loan from a bank. In recognition of the size of the new building and the church’s growth, the church was given cathedral status by Archbishop Melke Tsedik in September 2005. Melake Berhan Abba Betseha Mengistu is head of the clergy (Aleka) of the Church. At present, the church has two priests and three deacons who regularly provide sacramental and other services to the community. Over the years, Church attendance has shown a steady rise. Today, more than 400 people, of whom 250 are registered members, attend regular Sunday mass. The Church is managed by board members who are elected for a two years term. The board manages the church activities according to the by-law.

MISSION STATEMENT

Mekane Rama St. Gabriel Cathedral strives to fulfill the spiritual needs of its members by providing church and related services in a manner consistent with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church’s faith, values and tradition. It also works to enhance awareness about the history, cultures, languages, and tradition of Ethiopia among the community; and to provide other social services consistent with our religious practices.

SERVICES

Mekane Rama St. Gabriel Cathedral conducts its worshiping service every Sunday and special holidays worshiping services according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church faith. In addition to worshiping services, the church also conducts Christenings, Weddings, Family Consultations and Funeral services. The church provides some of the services with a minimal fee.

You may fill out the appropriate forms for your scheduled event and present it to the church administration at least a week ahead of your service date. You’re not a member? Please fill out a new membership form and get membership discount on services.

CHURCH PROGRAM

Date Time Activities Leader

Sunday 5:30 – 6:30 AM Prayer Service

6:30 – 7:30 AM Baptizm

7:30 – 9:30 AM Mass Service

9:30 – 10:00 AM Hymn

10:00 – 10:30 AM Gospel preaching

10:30 – 11:00 AM Announcements

11:00 – 12:00 PM Social gathering

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 7:00 – 9:00 PM Gospel Preaching Deacon Yilak,

Abiy

Saturday 3:00 – 4:00 PM Choir Practice Sunday School