 7:00 AM- 8:00 AM………………… Pre Liturgy 8:00 AM-10:30 AM………………… Divine Liturgy (Qidasse) 10:30 AM-11:00 AM……………… Praise and Song by Children and Adult Choir 11:00AM-12 Noon………………… Sermon & Benediction  Baptism is the sacrament through which we are reborn and enter the Kingdom of God. (Jn 3:5). Children born of Ethiopian Orthodox Christian families are baptized forty days after birth if male and eighty days after birth if female. Males can only be godfathers to males and females can only be godmother to females (Fetha Negest 3:Dida. 34; Nic. 24). If any un-baptized child is seriously ill and his or her life is endangered, the child could be baptized before the designated forty or eighty days (Fetha Negest Article 3). When adults are baptized, they can pray and recite the creed themselves. When children are baptized, their godfathers and godmothers recite the creed and promise to teach and cultivate them spiritually.  Christian marriage is one of the seven sacraments when it is performed in a church. It is a means by which the grace of the Holy Spirit is obtained by the couple entering the institution of marriage. Holy matrimony is biblical (Gen. 1 27, 28, 2:18; Mt. 19:4-6). The E.O.T.C emphasizes the fundamental role of marriage in our society. As such, the church offers a three- month prenuptial course and counseling to those who desire to conduct their matrimonial service by uniting through Holy Communion and according to the laws and tradition of the church.  Fithat, prayer of the dead is prayer offered to God that the dead might be released from the bondage of sin. The Church orders that prayer for the dead should be conducted. This prayer enables the deceased to receive forgiveness of sin, mercy, and rest for the soul. Prayers and memorials are also held on the 3rd, 7th, 12th, 30th,40th, 80th, sixth months, one year, and annually thereafter.  Debre Bisrat St. Gabriel church offers marriage, family, and individual counseling for those who request it or on a need bases. It is a free and confidential service.  Based on the teachings of our savior Jesus Christ our clergy and lay members offer assistance and visits to individuals in their hours of need. This includes visiting the sick, imprisoned, and those living in nursing homes.  Carrying on our cherished culture of sharing and caring our doors are always open. We extend invitations to all our members and others to come and join us in celebrating the holiday season’s year around. We also offer assistance such as counseling and networking. |
