Our History

The Debre Genet St Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church was established by the early Ethiopian exiles who had left Ethiopia due to lack of religious, political and social freedoms. Within a few short years of starting their new life of exile, a dozen or so Ethiopians began to consult each other on the urgent need for a place of worship where all Ethiopians could practice the teachings and liturgy of our ancient Christian faith and to obtain spiritual sustenance and moral guidance. These pioneers contacted nearby churches and rented church halls for a few hours on Sundays when the hall was not in use by the mother church. It was in such halls that the congregation worshipped for over a decade. When the congregation’s number outgrew one rented hall, we moved to a church with larger halls.  

As the years went by a more sustained attempt was made to establish a permanent church in the Auckland area. It now has about 150 due paying members. Much larger numbers attend special mid-night Easter and Christmas services, as well as the twice a year feasts of Our Savior. The congregation raised sufficient money from its members to buy a large piece of property in New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand. The Church was inaugurated in 2014. 

Over the years, Debre Genet St Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church has been the center of Ethiopian spiritual life in the Auckland area. The Church has performed invaluable service for the Ethiopian community. Every Sunday, hundreds of Ethiopians obtain spiritual rejuvenation by attending Mass, conducted in conformity with the centuries old teachings and liturgy of their ancient Church. Dozens partake in Holy Communion every Sunday. Hundreds attend special Christmas and Easter services amidst the exhilarating chants of their ancient faith. Thanks to Debre Genet St Mary Church, hundreds of Ethiopian families have been able to have their newly born infants baptized to join the ancient faith of their ancestors. The Church has similarly presided over the marriages of young Ethiopians, performed in accordance with the centuries-old teachings and traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church. The priests and deacons of Debre Genet St Mary Church perform the age-old services for the dead, known as fethat, at the funerals of members of our congregation. Priests and teachers from our Church visit the sick and the bereaved to provide spiritual comfort and sustenance. 

It is the Debre Genet St Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church that has spearheaded religious and community festivities traditionally conducted at important dates in the calendar of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church, such as Meskal (the finding of the true Cross), or Timket (the feast of Epiphany).