A Place of Faith & Miracles
Debre Tsion Kidist Mariam We Kidus Gebriel is a place of miracles, nestled on a hilltop in the countryside. We are blessed to host baptisms, weddings, and religious celebrations. Additionally, our church offers ample parking and a multi-purpose hall to accommodate our growing community.
Through faith, dedication, and the guidance of Kidist Mariam, we continue to flourish, serving as a spiritual home for many.
Our Story
The first church service at Debre Tsion Kidist Mariam We Gebriel was held in celebration of the holiday of Kidist Mariam on her anniversary, Saturday, June 21, 2006 E.C. (June 28, 2014). This special service took place at a Ukrainian Orthodox Church in New Hampshire, which was rented for one day. His Holiness Bishop Abune Fanuel, along with local priests and a large congregation, attended the event.
The following Saturday, June 28, 2006 E.C. (July 3, 2014), regular church services began at our rental space on Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, held every Saturday.
Growth and Leadership
In the early years, our church operated with only one permanent priest and one permanent deacon, making it a challenge to build a larger congregation. Kesis Kefelenge, the head priest of Debre Tsion Kidist Mariam We Gebriel, has been leading the church for six years. With over 30 years of experience serving in multiple churches both internationally and within the United States, his leadership has been instrumental in the church’s growth.
His son, Eyosyas Kefelenge, the head deacon, was the first permanent deacon at Debre Tsion Kidist Mariam We Gebriel and has served for over five years.
Overcoming Challenges & Achievements
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the church was forced to shut down for a year and a half. However, through God’s will, the grace of Kidist Mariam, and the unwavering dedication of our servants and congregation, we overcame this challenge. By divine blessing, we were able to purchase our own church building in Brookeville, Maryland.
Following this milestone, we renovated and prepared the church’s interior according to the traditions and order of our faith, under the guidance of His Holiness the Pope. Today, we provide a wide range of spiritual services, and throughout our journey, many holy bishops, priests, deacons, and devoted servants have supported us.
What began with one priest and one deacon has now grown into a flourishing spiritual community. Our church has:
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Appointed new deacons, nurturing young leaders with education and merit.
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Expanded to three priests who now serve the congregation.
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Continued to train and elevate members to higher spiritual roles.