“Let us remember the poor, and not forget kindness to strangers; above all, let us love God with all our soul, and might, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves.”

Mission

The mission of the Debre Menkrat Saint Gabriel EOTC Saturday’s Children Education Program is to mold the lives of our children in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christian teachings through Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition, and to develop each child spiritually to live a Christ-centered life. We aim to instill in them the values and virtues that have been the cornerstone of our faith for centuries, ensuring that they grow up with a deep understanding and appreciation of their spiritual heritage.

Children Education Program

Religious education is both a privilege and a necessity within the life of our Holy Orthodox Tewahedo Church. It is a privilege in that it involves instruction in the doctrines of our saving Orthodox Tewahedo Christian faith. It is a necessity because it helps develop a strong foundation so that our children can make the right choices in today’s highly complex world. The challenges of modern society, with its many distractions and conflicting messages, make it more important than ever to provide our children with a solid grounding in the teachings of our faith.

As an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the Debre Menkrat Saint Gabriel has realized that the gift of Tewahedo is a way of life that we must preserve and impart to the young people of our community. We are called to express our identity as Tewahedo Christians by practicing a God-fearing and spiritual life. Through our Saturday’s Children Education Program, we strive to ensure that each child is not only knowledgeable about their faith but also capable of living it out in their daily lives, embodying the principles of love, compassion, and righteousness.

Tewahedo Tradition

Goal

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” – Mark 10:14

Our goal is to create an environment where children can grow spiritually, socially, and intellectually, in accordance with the teachings of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. We believe that by nurturing their faith and providing them with a strong moral compass, we are helping to prepare them for the challenges of life, ensuring that they can make positive contributions to their families, communities, and society at large.

Objectives

  1. Be a Friend: We seek to understand our children and to embody God’s love for them so that they feel empowered to learn, worship, and ask questions. By fostering a supportive and caring environment, we help children feel safe and valued, encouraging them to explore their faith and develop a personal relationship with God.
  2. God’s Word as Spiritual Food: Teachers help their students to understand the word through lessons that are tailored to their age and comprehension levels, making the teachings of the Bible accessible and relevant to their everyday lives. We also emphasize the importance of applying these teachings in practical ways, guiding children to live out their faith in their interactions with others.
  3. Prayer: Ultimately, it is God who works in the hearts of these children. We entrust these children to God by taking time each week to pray for each of our students, asking for His guidance and blessings as they grow in their faith. Prayer is central to our program, and we encourage children to develop a personal prayer life, helping them to see prayer as a source of strength and comfort in all circumstances.
  4. Cultural Identity: Alongside spiritual education, we also focus on preserving and celebrating our Ethiopian cultural heritage. Through language classes, traditional music, and cultural events, we help children connect with their roots, fostering a sense of pride in their identity as Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.
  5. Community Involvement: We encourage children to actively participate in the life of the church and the broader community. By involving them in service projects, church events, and community activities, we teach them the value of giving back and being responsible members of society.
Children at School

Hours of the Class

  • 9:00 AM – 9:29 AM: Preparation and Prayer – We begin each session with a time of reflection and prayer, setting a spiritual tone for the day’s activities.
  • 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Bible Study – Children engage in interactive Bible lessons, learning about the stories and teachings of the Scriptures in a way that is both educational and engaging.
  • 10:31 AM – 11:15 AM: Liturgy Class – This session focuses on understanding the liturgical practices of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, helping children appreciate the significance of the rituals and prayers that are central to our worship.
  • 11:16 AM – 11:30 AM: Break – A short break allows children to relax and socialize, fostering friendships and a sense of community.
  • 11:31 AM – 12:15 PM: Amharic Language Study – In this class, children learn the basics of the Amharic language, enabling them to connect more deeply with their Ethiopian heritage and participate more fully in church services.
  • 12:16 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Time and Cleaning – We conclude the day with a communal meal, reinforcing the values of sharing and fellowship. Children also participate in cleaning up, teaching them responsibility and the importance of working together.

We invite all parents to bring their children to our Saturday’s Children Education Program. Through this program, we aim to provide a holistic education that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit, helping to raise a generation of strong, faithful, and responsible Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. Together, we can ensure that our children grow up with a deep love for God, a strong moral foundation, and a proud connection to their cultural and spiritual heritage.