In Washington, hundreds of Ethiopian congregants, donned in traditional white shawls, gather at DSK Mariam Church to participate in worship rooted in one of the ancient branches of Christianity. The melodic Ge’ez language fills the church for hours as worshipers perform acts of devotion, such as kneeling and bowing, during ceremonies accented by the fragrant incense swung by priests.
Established in 1987, Re’ese Adbarat Debre Selam Kidist Mariam Church in Washington welcomes over 4,000 attendees weekly and boasts a membership of more than 1,500. As a part of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Churches, it is committed to preserving the faith’s traditions and the ancient Ge’ez language for future generations in Washington, D.C., a hub for the Ethiopian diaspora in the United States.
Priest Abraham Habte-Sellassie emphasizes the importance of these customs in today’s fast-paced world. He asserts that youths engaging with the faith’s rules can achieve balance amid materialistic distractions. The Ethiopian community in America has expanded significantly over the past 50 years, following the 1974 averthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie. In the D.C. area, Ethiopians contribute richly to both cultural and economic aspects of society.
To engage younger members and new adherents, the church offers services in Amharic and English. Worshipers can follow liturgical rites displayed on large screens decked in national Ethiopian colors. Twenty-one-year-old Kannazegelila Mezgebu, originally from Addis Ababa and studying at Morgan State University, attests to the deep and meaningful nature of her faith, which, despite life’s numerous distractions, serves as a profound connection to her roots.
Youth ministry leader Beza Bililigne appreciates the symbolic importance woven throughout their practices, such as entering the church barefoot in reverence. The ‘netela’ garment signifies humility, and the incense used in rituals represents significant religious figures and elements. Services incorporate elements appealing to various senses, with children’s joyful sounds mingling with priests’ chants beneath a ceremonially-held umbrella.
During Communion, congregants respectfully queue to partake in the sacred ceremony, and some light candles to seek divine protection for loved ones in Ethiopia, a nation grappling with internal strife and humanitarian needs. This act of faith provides solace to those with family members affected by these adversities.
Church members preserve their liturgical heritage by recording elder voices and sharing them on platforms like YouTube, ensuring the transmission of traditions to future generations. As Beza Bililigne notes, maintaining these practices in memory is essential to keeping their heritage alive.