ምስራቀ ፀሐይ ቅድስት ማርያም የኢትዮጵያ ኦርቶዶክስ ተዋሕዶ ቤተክርስቲያን
Welcome to Misrak Tsehaye Saint Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
We warmly welcome you to Misrak Tsehaye Saint Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, a sacred place of worship, community, and spiritual growth. Rooted in the ancient Apostolic faith of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, we are devoted to glorifying God through prayer, the Holy Sacraments, teaching, and fellowship.
Whether you are a long-time member or a visitor seeking a deeper spiritual connection, our doors, and our hearts, are open to you.
Come and join us in worship, discover our rich spiritual heritage, and grow with us in faith, love, and service.
Administrator of The Church Priest Sahalu Worku(ሊቀ ማእምራን ሣሀሉ ወርቁ)
A Shepherd in a Foreign Land
The current priest serving the congregation, Leke Maemeran Sahalu Worku, is a devoted and selfless servant of God, called to minister to His people far from their homeland. With a strong academic foundation in the Old and New Testaments, as well as the interpretation of Holy Scripture, he was trained as a teacher and has dedicated his life to both teaching and ministry.
Over the years, he has faithfully served in numerous institutions. He taught for 13 years at the Addis Ababa Diocese of Miskaye Hazunan Medhane Alem Monastery, 7 years at the State House of St. Gabriel Monastery, and 2 and a half years at Prince St. Mark and St. Michael Church. In addition, he served for 6 years as a part-time instructor at Holy Trinity University, sharing his knowledge and deep understanding of the faith with the next generation.
His ministry has extended across Ethiopia, where he traveled widely to preach the Gospel, strengthening believers in many regions. Beyond Ethiopia, he also carried the message of Christ to the Middle East—including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Sudan—contributing to both the ministry of the Gospel and the priesthood.
Answering a higher calling, he journeyed to the United States to provide spiritual care and guidance to those living in exile—faithful who long not only for their country, but for the sacred traditions and spiritual nourishment of the Church.
In a profound act of sacrifice, he left behind his family in Ethiopia, placing the needs of the faithful above his own comfort. His life reflects the very essence of priestly devotion: to serve, to guide, and to stand as a spiritual father to all entrusted to him. As it is written, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Known for his humility, he carries himself with quiet grace, never seeking recognition, but always pointing others toward God. His presence brings peace, and his words carry wisdom shaped by faith and experience. “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” (1 Peter 5:5)
At the altar, he is unwavering. When he celebrates the Divine Liturgy, he does so with deep reverence, focus, and determination, fully committed to the sacred mystery before him. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
Now serving in North America, following the European calendar, he has been faithfully carrying out his duties as the administrator of the Church of the Rising Sun, Saint Mary of the Word since June 15, 2024.
Through sacrifice, humility, and steadfast service, he continues to be a pillar of strength for the community, faithfully shepherding God’s people in a foreign land.
Priest Legesse Shewaneh(ቄስ ገበዝ ለገሠ ሸዋነህ)
A Faithful Servant in Support of the Flock
The priest of the congregation, Kesis Gebez Legesse Shewaneh, is a humble and dedicated servant of God, committed to supporting both the spiritual life of the Church and the needs of its people. Bearing the title Kesis Gebez and serving as a liturgical teacher, he has devoted his life to the sacred traditions and teachings of the Church.
His journey in ministry spans decades of faithful service. From 2004 to 2025 he served at St. Stephen’s Church in Addis Ababa, where he remained steadfast in one place for 19 years. During this time, he grew through the ranks of service, ministering as a deacon for 10 years, serving as a priest for 6 years, and continuing again in devoted service as a deacon for 3 years. His years there were marked by consistency, discipline, and a deep commitment to the liturgical life of the Church.
He has also walked the path of sacrifice, leaving behind their families in Ethiopia to answer the higher calling of serving God’s people in a foreign land. In this, they reflect the words of our Lord: “Truly I tell you, no one who has left home or family for the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much.” (Luke 18:29–30 ). Following this long season of service, he answered the call to minister beyond his homeland, serving in Seattle, Washington for one year and six months. He now continues his ministry at St. Mary’s Church in Spokane, where he faithfully supports the congregation with the same humility and devotion that have defined his journey.
Known for his gentle spirit, he approaches his calling with sincerity and compassion, always ready to serve without seeking recognition. As Scripture reminds us, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)
He is deeply attentive to the needs of the faithful, offering encouragement, prayer, and support to those who seek guidance and comfort. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
In his service, he reflects the love of Christ through his actions, lifting others up, standing with them in their struggles, and rejoicing with them in their blessings. Whether assisting in the Divine Liturgy or engaging with members of the congregation, he carries out his duties with quiet dedication and a spirit of unity. “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Through his faithfulness and servant’s heart, he continues to be a source of strength and encouragement, helping to nurture and uphold the spiritual life of the Church community.
ABOUT OUR CHURCH
(ስለ ቤተክርስቲያናችን)
A spiritual home for Ethiopian Orthodox believers in the Spokane area and beyond, we are committed to preserving the ancient traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faith. We offer regular services, Holy Sacraments, spiritual teachings, and strong community support for all.
Rooted in the Apostolic faith, we strive to worship God in spirit and in truth, following the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and honoring His Holy Mother, Saint Mary.
All are warmly welcome to join us in prayer, fellowship, and service to the community.
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TEENAGE MINISTRIES
(የወጣቶች መንፈሳዊ አገልግሎት)
Our Teenage Ministry is dedicated to helping young people grow in faith, understand the teachings of the Church, and become active members of the Body of Christ. Through Sunday School, Bible study, spiritual discussions, volunteer service, and cultural programs, we nurture their identity as Orthodox Christians, grounded in love, humility, and truth.
We warmly invite all teenagers to join us, grow in faith, and serve with joy.
SERVICES
(አገልግሎቶች)
We gather every Sunday at 6:00 AM to celebrate the Divine Liturgy (Qidase), offering our prayers, worship, and fellowship to God. Sunday services are the heart of our community life, where we come together to grow in faith, receive the Holy Eucharist, and be nourished by the Word of God.
Our services are rich in tradition and deeply rooted in the ancient practices of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. All are welcome to join us in worship and in communion with Christ.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
Misrake Tsehaye Saint Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is located Spokane,Washington.
We hold Sunday services at 6:00 AM. All are welcome to join us for worship and fellowship.
ADDRESS(አድራሻ)
Contact :
Location : 4202 N Belt St, Spokane, WA 99205
website :
