EOTC

The First Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Canada

​

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Medhane Alem (now known as Keraneyo Medhane Alem) was established in Canada on July 23, 1972.  The Church was requested by a newly immigrated Caribbean community to Canada.  Prior to the Churches' establishment, the founding members sent correspondence to the office of Ethiopia and to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I, who was ruler of Ethiopia at the time and were given authority to begin the Church.  Abba Laike Mandefro (His Eminence, Abune Yesehaq, Archbishop) was tasked in setting up Medhane Alem as a predominately English-speaking Church.  Authority was given by Emperor Haile Selassie I, to translate historical Ge'ez and Amharic-written texts into English to accommodate the Churches newly-seeking western followers.

​

The Church was started by a group of brothers and sisters in a basement, then it was held at The Bond Church on 1066 Avenue Road.  The first building bought in 1980 by its members was located at 425 Vaughn Road and was consecrated by late His Eminence, Abune Yesehaq, Archbishop of the Western Hemisphere at the time.  Due to membership growth from an Ethiopian diaspora, Like Kahenat (Rev. Fr.) Messale Engeda, who was the Head Priest at the time opened another branch called Menbere Berhan Kidest Mariam (Saint Mary), which was established in 1991.  The Medhane Alem Church located at 425 Vaughan Road, later relocated to 23 Denison Road East in 1999.

​

The Church located at 425 Vaughan Road relocated to 23 Denison Road East.  Although there are several Ethiopian Orthodox Church's in Canada, Medhane Alem Tewahedo Church was the first and only church at the time, to be established in Canada. 

​

On Sunday, July 23, 2000, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church was consecrated by His Eminence Abune Yesehaq, Archbishop of the Western Hemisphere.  Many people came from far  and near to celebrate this wonderful occasion.  The Church was filled with the presence of the Most High, and those who were celebrated the accomplishment of the consecration of Canada's first Ethiopian Orthodox Church.  The Church is funded by it's members.