About Us
Welcome to Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Menbere Berhan Saint Mary Cathedral in Toronto
His Holiness Abune Mathias I, Sixth Patriarch and Catholicos of EOTC
History of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Toronto
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was established in Toronto in 1972 through a collaboration between members of the Ethiopian community and the local Caribbean community (primarily Jamaican).
For its first twelve years, the congregation functioned as a Mission (until 1984), operating without a dedicated priest or a permanent place of worship.
In 1984, the congregation saw significant growth with the arrival of Rev. L.K. Messale Engeda as the priest in charge.
By 1986, with 500 registered members, the Church acquired its first property at 425 Vaughan Road, Toronto.
The Establishment of a Second Church
Due to the continuous growth of the Ethiopian community in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and its increasing needs, a second Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, named Menbere Berhan Kidest Mariam (Saint Mary), was established in 1991.
From 1991 to 1996, the congregation provided full service from a rented Anglican Church located at 40 Westmoreland Avenue, Toronto.
In 1997, the Church acquired its own properties at 80 and 84 Tycos Drive, Toronto, where it continues to serve its community.
"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD" (Haggai: I: 7-8).
40 Westmoreland Avenue
Old Church at 84 Tycos Drive
The New Church Building Project
Driven by the Biblical imperative to honor their faith, the St. Mary Church congregation pursued the dream of constructing a new church building that respected the historical and cultural traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
This dream began immediately following the acquisition of the 80 and 84 Tycos Drive properties in 1997.
Initial Challenges and Reorganization
Fundraising: Formal fundraising for the new building was launched in 2000. However, the effort did not immediately materialize as planned because funds had to be urgently diverted to renovate the existing buildings at 80 and 84 Tycos Drive.
Slow Progress: By August 2006, only $154,000 had been raised for the new church construction.
New Committee: In September 2006, the Board of Trustees reorganized a new Building Committee with the explicit mandate to move the construction project forward.
Design and City Approval Hurdles
The new Building Committee, in consultation with His Grace Archishop Abune Dimetros, Head Priest Rev. Messale Engeda, the Board of Trustees (presided over by Archdeacon (Now Qese Gebes) Hiwot B. Gudeta), and prominent congregation members, addressed the project's complex requirements.
Architect and consultant Mr. Nino Rico was hired to develop the detailed design. The committee focused on:
Location and Orientation: Aligning the new church building with the traditional East-West orientation.
Site Plan: Joining the 80 and 84 Tycos properties and placing the church at the back of the lot.
Parking: Ensuring the site provided the required number of parking spaces.
The process of gaining City of Toronto approval proved to be an unexpected hurdle. The design required resolutions from the City Committee of Adjustment due to several challenges related to municipal by-law and City plan requirements (specifically concerning property consolidation, orientation, and parking). After an enormous and lengthy effort, a conditional site plan approval was finally issued in April 2010.
New Church Building Corner Stone Laying Ceremony (April 18, 2010)
Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony
The project reached a major milestone on April 18, 2010, with the ceremonial laying of the Foundation Stone.
The ceremony was led by His Holiness Abune Merkorios I, Fourth Patriarch of Ethiopia
The historic event was held in the presence of numerous dignitaries, underscoring the significance of the new church project:
Church Hierarchy:
His Grace Archbishop Abune Melketsedek (General Secretary of the Holy Synod).
His Grace Archbishop Abune Elias (Head of Europe & Africa Dioceses).
His Grace Archbishop Abune Lukas (Head of Washington State, USA).
Various Clergy and Parishioners.
Government & Community Representatives:
Federal, Provincial, and City officials.
Members of the Canada Council of Churches.
Other distinguished invited guests and the enthusiastic members of the congregation.
New Menbere Berhan Kidest Mariam (Saint Mary) Cathedral
Consecration and Ongoing Ministry
By the grace of God, the dedicated spiritual leadership of the Clergy, and the unwavering commitment of the faithful, the community successfully completed the construction of its brand new Church building.
Consecration Ceremony
The new Church was officially consecrated on November 18, 2012. The sacred ceremony was performed by His Holiness Abune Merkorios I, Fourth Patriarch of Ethiopia, and attended by senior Archbishops, including:
His Grace Archbishop Abune Melketsedek (General Secretary of the Holy Synod).
His Grace Archbishop Abune Elias (Archbishop of Europe & Africa Dioceses).
His Grace Archbishop Abune Lukas (Archbishop of Washington State, USA).
His Grace Archbishop Abune Dimetros (Archbishop of Ontario & surrounding regions).
Expanded Services and Outreach
With the completion of the new facility, the Church's spiritual and social services have significantly grown and expanded. These services now include:
Sacramental services: Priests guide the community through the Holy Mysteries (sacraments), including baptisms, confessions, and the Divine Liturgy.
Pastoral counseling: Priests offer counseling to individuals and families on a range of spiritual and personal matters.
Visitations: Clergy make home and hospital visits to offer comfort and spiritual support during times of illness, hardship, or mourning.
Spiritual formation: Clergy provide sermons, Bible studies, and talks to help congregants deepen their understanding of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faith and tradition.
Sunday School: Clergy oversee Sunday School programs that teach children about God, the Bible, and the lives of saints.
English Qeddase (Eucharistic Liturgy in English with Ge'ez chants)
Inter-Christian dialogue: Collaboration with other Orthodox and Christian denominations, fostering a spirit of ecumenism and welcome.
Our Mission and Welcome
This website is designed to fulfill the church's core mission: to spread the Gospel to the world as accepted by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to the authentic belief of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
We warmly welcome you to explore our website and learn more about our church and its cherished traditions.
May God Bless Us All. Amen.