The 17th Annual Assembly of the Diocese of the USA & Canada Diocese was successfully held at the Mt of Paradise, Covenant of Mercy parish in Indianapolis, IN. 

All churches under the auspices of His Grace Abune Elias, Bishop of the Diocese and member of the Holy Synod, gathered for three days from Friday to Sunday June 6th-8th 2017 in the ecclesiastical calendar (June 3rd-5th 2025) under the theme verse Psalm 73:2 “Remember Your congregation You acquired from the beginning.” 

At the 17th General Assembly, His Grace Abune Elias, since being appointed bishop of this diocese he concluded this third assembly successfully, made particularly special due to the unity and serene spirit in discussing several agenda items related to the church, and the diocese as a whole.

Early Friday morning, Mt of Paradise Church of the Covenant of Mercy rang her bell greeting the guests completing morning prayers in unity. Promptly afterwards, members were led to the beautifully prepared hall and began with the “Mercy of the Father” prayer and the “Theotokion” repetition by clergy, led by His Grace. Followed by the Prokeimenon led by deacons and the Gospel of the day reading from John 10. Chief clergy led in hymnody singing “Today the angels overshadowed Mary and her Son Christ at the Mt of Paradise, while saying ‘Glory be in the highest” in unity alongside other reverend fathers and teachers.  

Assembly members consisted of parish leadership representatives, Sunday school member youth representatives, and congregant representatives who presented their official letters of representation and leadership. After introductions, three officials were elected as meeting scribes, and after ensuring a quorum, the assembly officially began. 

Following this, an introductory message was given by Reverend Fr Michael Teklay Chief Officer of the Diocese of the USA & Canada. “Glory to God for bringing us to the 2025 Annual General Assembly.” He said. “Although this annual conference was intended to be held in November, due to the election, ordination and anointment of the 6th Holy Patriarch, His Grace Abune Elias was out of the country for a long duration. Now by the will of God, the day and time is at hand thanks to God.” Fr. Michael continued to list the agenda items in order of precedence and relayed their wishes for it to conclude successfully. 

A brief welcome message was delivered by Mr. Solomon Tekle, a representative of the parish council of the host Church Mt of Paradise Covenant of Mercy. He relayed thanksgiving on the church’s behalf for the opportunity to host the 17th Annual General Assembly, and relayed the honor is made more special because the upcoming Annual Feast of the Covenant of Mercy would be the church’s celebration of her 24th year since establishment. He further relayed the church's willingness to help and gave well wishes for the assembly. 

Subsequently an opening statement with a message from the Holy Synod was made by His Grace Abune Elias: “First and foremost, may all thanksgiving be to the most high God, Who allowed us to gather here today” he said “We are here so that our assembly may bear fruit, that we may listen to the words spoken, fill in any missing holes, solve issues at hand, and the end goal: to grow the church and shepherd congregants in truth and integrity”...”We are here because we follow in the footsteps of the 318 fathers [of Nicaea]. May God help us so that we may walk in path of the church and lead well by hearkening to the messages delivered today, fulfilling them. To Him Who revealed himself to the apostolic fathers, may it also be His will to reveal His mysteries to us today” said His Grace, and concluded the message with a benediction. 

Following this, as customary, a general report about the progress of works in the diocese was presented by reverend father Priest Michael Teklay and the Secretary Dn. Sinoda via PowerPoint. Reverend Fr Michael reviewed the previous year's projects and accomplishments as well. Under the guidance and leadership of His Grace Abune Elias, some key endeavors included reconciliation of several churches that were previously split. This included: 

Tsirha Aryam Church of the Holy Trinity & Mt of Peace Church of St. Michael in the DC area. 

Church of Jesus’ Mount & St. Mary’s Church in Houston TX. 

Church of Mt Tabor of the Savior of the World & St. Gabriel Church in Los Angeles CA.  

At the same time 4 Churches were reunited and reconciled in Seattle, WA. While 5 parishes in the Bay Area of California began conducting Theophany processions together, and 3 Churches in the DMV Area began conducting Celebrations of the feast of the Holy Cross jointly. 

A report was given regarding the training and instruction provided the previous year for clergy and congregants alike in churches whose leadership had returned to the Holy Church after having left the Holy Synod led Diocese with regret. One by one the assembly members' thoughts, questions, and opinions regarding this matter were heard. 

A second critical agenda item that was presented by Dr. Biniam, member of the diocese leadership, was a financial report. The report was given concisely, clearly, and relayed the income, expenses and budget of the diocese. It also relayed the room for improvement and growth  Each attendant relayed their joy at receiving a very clear image of the finances & budget of the diocese and expressed their thoughts & ideas. At the same time, the lawfully elected auditors that were chosen the previous year based on their occupational expertise. After Dr Semere presented the auditing report, this concluded the first quarter plans and members proceeded with lunch. 

After a brief recess, the assembly returned to singing hymns in unison (wereb). And upon returning spiritually revitalized, a teaching was given by His Grace Abune Elias at length under the subject of “Apostolic Shepherding.” Subsequently, a general report regarding Sunday School affairs was given by Diocese Sunday School chairman Reverend Fr. Priest Kidane & Dn. Berihu, alongside a Q&A. Promptly afterwards, a necessary & important project was presented regarding membership ID cards for church congregants by Reverend Fr. Engineer Priest Biniam expert in this field, who is also chairman of Mt of Paradise of the Covenant of Mercy Church, followed by a Q&A session. The first day’s agenda concluded after a closing benediction by His Grace. 

On the following Saturday, as customary, the assembly began early with morning prayers at the church and following His Grace’s benediction proceeded with breakfast. According to the program’s agenda the assembly began with an administrative improvement report, followed by updates regarding the progress in the establishment of Tesfa Sidudan Debre Sina Monastery (Hope of the Refugee Mt Sina) presented by Fr. Kibrom, Mr. Yosef & Mr. Mussie. Promptly afterwards, a report was given regarding the fundamental family which represents a small church—presenting a research study with an explanation by Reverend Fr. Priest Habteab, Reverend Fr. Priest Bisrat and Dn. Natan. 

Subsequently, a general update regarding the progress of the holy church, specifically the large projects completed on the world stage the previous year and most especially with regards to the election, ordination & anointment of His Holiness Abune Bailiyos I Archbishop and 6th Patriarch was explained at length by Reverend Fr. Priest Bereket Kidane Public Relations Officer of the Holy Synod. After assembly members relayed their joy at the progress, the first half of the assembly concluded with a lunch break & a benediction prayer by His Grace. 

The second and final part of the afternoon following lunch and a hymn; the conference that all clergy were waiting for in anticipation concluded all its scheduled agenda items. After a summary was provided of all the processes, rites and a general explanation of the conference procedures were given, and because this conference was imperative and especially beneficial with regards to proper shepherding, it was informed that the diocese had plans to facilitate a general assembly quarterly.  

At the same time, a presentation regarding the opportunity for congregants to assemble, and discuss the general processes of the church with regards to procedures for chain of command in bylaws between diocese and parish councils was presented by Dr. Biniam. Finally, after a general Q&A, the assembly conducted over a two day period discussing various topics of great importance concluded by the grace of God. Giving glory to God for the conference bearing fruits of the spirit in its decisions, His Grace relayed hope for the coming year that God would bring everyone together in peace and unity. After words of guidance, just as the assembly was opened, His Grace Abune Elias closed the assembly with a final benediction and absolution. 

After assembling for two days, Sunday, beginning at midnight with morning praises, canticles, hymns and Divine Liturgy at Mt of Paradise Church of the Covenant of Mercy, the gathering completed with the offering of the Liturgy through the seal of the Holy Spirit. Special thanks for those that made this conference possible for their hardwork, using their talents, and money, to make the conference run smoothly, especially the mothers of Mt of Paradise Church of the Covenant of Mercy of Indiana,