Reconciliation & Peace between St Gabriel & Medhanie Alem Churches in Los Angeles

In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; One God.

The Annual feast of the Mt. of Tabor Medhanie Alem in the city of Los Angeles, California in the Diocese of the United State of America and Canada, Sub-Diocese of the Western United States was celebrated on the 25th of Mīyazya 2017 (3rd of May 2025). What made this holiday especially remarkable was the presence and leadership of His Grace Abune Elias, Bishop of the Diocese of the USA & Canada. At this annual feast there were two momentous events that occurred.

Initiated and completed in the midst of His Grace Abune Elias, a conference was held for reuniting and bringing peace between Mt Tabor Medhanie Alem and St. Gabriel Churches in Los Angeles, California (Sub-Diocese of the USA) and was completed successfully where peace reigned. And for its completion the secretary of the Diocese of the USA & Canada Dn. Sinoda accompanied H.G.

On May 1st 2025 (23rd of Mīyazya 2017) His Grace met with the reconciliation committee of elders on both sides and assessed and discussed the progress of the works on peaceful reunification at length. Following this, they held an in depth discussion with the members of Debre Tabor Medhanie Alem. His Grace instructed them that the foundation of a Christian life lies on the principles of peace, love and forgiveness and advised them that they should leave all else aside and focus on reconciliation and growth of the church.

After members of Mt. Tabor Medhanie Alem explained their feelings to His Grace at length, they relayed good news of their desire to choose peace, love and forgiveness.

Furthermore, His Grace made way to St. Gabriel’s church and held discussions at length. The members of St. Gabriel stated the good news of their desire to choose peace, love and forgiveness as well.

His Grace, together with Dn Sinoda and members of St. Gabriel Church set off to Debre Tabor Medhanie Alem and held a united spiritual gathering. At the end, members of both church reconciled with embrace and sang hymns together breaking the walls of 9 years of dispute, peace, harmony and love were officially proclaimed.

The next day, Friday the 24th of Mīyazya 2017 in the ecclesiastical calendar, members of St. Gabriel’s church congregants attended the eve of the feast of Medhanie Alem and the member congregants of Debre Tabor welcomed them with flowers through the mother Nuns Silas & Nun Qidusan with joy and in signing hymns.

After the presentation of hymns of praise and peace, His Grace gave a brief message of congratulations. What made the feast exceptional was also the presence of Reverend Fr. Priest Bereket from the Patriarchs office and Fr. Priest Habteab, lead priest of the Western Diocese of the USA, and over 16 chief fathers from various cities (namely: San Jose, Santa Rosa, Oakland, Seattle, San Diego, Las Vegas, Dallas, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Cincinnati & Los Angeles) that came in honor of the Annual feast of Mt of Tabor Medhanie Alem added joy to the reconciliation.

Following this, according to the schedule His Grace, and reverend father priests, completed the prayers for the eve of the feast.

Subsequently, the reverend fathers and other clergy that came from various cities arose early to honor our Lord and Savior and completed the rites of the morning prayers with great devotion in the likeness of the angels. After which the Divine Liturgy was celebrated with the leadership of His Grace Abune Elias.

Following the Liturgy, His Grace Abune Elias delivered a message of congratulations because of the reconciliation and peace made between Debre Tabor Medhanie Alem and St. Gabriel giving the utmost thanksgiving to God. “Christ means peace and love.” said His Grace, “if there is peace, there lies all things, without it, we come up empty. We must all make every effort to pay a price to protect and keep the peace that was brought here.” 

Afterwards, His Grace gave words of guidance at length through the homily. Referencing Genesis 31:44, His Grace provided the example of the promise made between Laban and Jacob to remind congregants not to trespass against one's brother, or anything to hurt them

The Church’s tabernacle (Ark of Law) procession was held with great honor by the leadership of His Grace Bishop Elias and other reverend fathers. The cross and the censer were brought out by vested clergy, and together with the faithful they orbited the church.

After the scholars led in the praises of the church, Sunday school students presented three hymns, and after ending with prayer, supplications, and a final benediction by His Grace, the holiday came to a close. His Grace, the reverend fathers, deacons, and faithful made way to the agape meal.

Glory to the most-high God, His Holy Virgin mother, and the precious cross, amen.