Monthly Feasts and Saint Commemorations in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, many sacred feasts and saints are commemorated on the same date of every Ethiopian month. This guide provides an accessible reference to the principal monthly commemorations, helping readers understand how sacred remembrance is woven into the Ethiopian calendar. The spellings and additional saints commemorated may vary between church calendars and local traditions.

Days 1–10

1st: Lideta Maryam and Prophet Elijah

Lideta Maryam commemorates the birth of the Virgin Mary. Prophet Elijah, also known as Elias, is remembered on the same day.

2nd: Saint Thaddaeus

Saint Thaddaeus, commonly identified as Jude Thaddaeus, is one of the Apostles of Our Lord.

3rd: Ba’eta Maryam

This day marks the Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple.

4th: Saint Yohannes Wolde Negedguad

The name means “John, Son of Thunder.” This refers to Saint John the Apostle, whom Our Lord named a Son of Thunder alongside his brother James.

5th: Saints Peter and Paul and Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus

Saints Peter and Paul, the Apostles, are commemorated together with Abune Gebre Menfes Kidus. His name means “Servant of the Holy Spirit.”

6th: Our Lady of Qusquam

This Marian commemoration remembers the Holy Family’s stay in Qusquam, Egypt, during the Flight into Egypt.

7th: Kidus Selassie—the Holy Trinity

A monthly feast honouring the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

8th: Saint Kiros and Abba Banuda

Saint Kiros, also known as Cyriacus or Cyrus in some traditions, is commemorated with Abba Banuda.

9th: Saint Thomas

A saint named Thomas in the Ethiopian tradition, distinct from Saint Thomas the Apostle, who is commemorated on the 26th.

10th: Kidus Meskel—the Holy Cross

The monthly commemoration of the Holy Cross is associated with Saint Helena and the finding of the True Cross.

Days 11–20

11th: Saints Hanna, Iyachim and Fasilides

Saint Hanna and Saint Iyachim—Saint Anne and Saint Joachim—are honoured as the parents of the Virgin Mary, together with Saint Fasilides.

12th: Saint Michael, Saint Samuel and Saint Yared

Saint Michael the Archangel is commemorated with Saint Samuel and Saint Yared. He is the great Ethiopian saint associated with the development of the Church’s sacred chant and musical tradition.

13th: Igziabher Ab and Saint Raphael

This feast honours God the Father, together with Saint Raphael the Archangel.

14th: Abba Aregawi and Gebre Kristos

Abba Aregawi, one of the Nine Saints who helped spread monastic Christianity in Ethiopia, is commemorated with Saint Gebre Kristos.

15th: Saint Kirkos and Saint Iyalota

Saint Kirkos and his mother, Saint Iyalota—also known as Saints Cyricus and Julitta—are honoured together as martyrs.

16th: Kidane Meheret—the Covenant of Mercy

This special Marian commemoration honours the Covenant of Mercy and the intercession of the Virgin Mary.

17th: Saint Estifanos and Abba Gerima

Saint Estifanos—Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr—is commemorated with Abba Gerima, one of Ethiopia’s Nine Saints.

18th: Saint Ewostatewos

The revered Ethiopian monk and spiritual teacher, Saint Ewostatewos, is remembered on this day.

19th: Saint Gabriel the Archangel

This is the monthly commemoration of Saint Gabriel, the Archangel and messenger of God.

20th: Hinstata

A Marian commemoration traditionally associated with the dedication of a church in the name of the Virgin Mary.

Days 21–30

21st: The Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God

This is the principal monthly commemoration of Saint Mary.

22nd: Saint Deqsius and Saint Uriel

Saint Deqsius is commemorated together with Saint Uriel the Archangel. Some calendars and local traditions include additional Marian commemorations on this date.

23rd: Saint George

The monthly commemoration of Saint George the Martyr is one of the most widely loved and honoured saints in Ethiopia.

24th: Abune Tekle Haimanot

The great Ethiopian saint Abune Tekle Haimanot is commemorated. Some traditions also honour the Twenty-Four Heavenly Elders or Priests associated with the Book of Revelation.

25th: Saint Mercurius

Saint Mercurius—Marqorios or Merkorios in Ethiopian tradition—is honoured as a martyr and miracle-worker.

26th: Saint Thomas the Apostle

Saint Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles, encountered the risen Christ and proclaimed Him as Lord and God.

27th: Medhane Alem—Saviour of the World

A monthly feast dedicated to Our Lord Jesus Christ as Medhane Alem, the Saviour of the World.

28th: Kidus Emmanuel

This feast honours Our Lord as Emmanuel—“God with us”—and recalls the mystery of the Incarnation.

29th: Ba’ale Wold and Saint Arsema

Ba’ale Wold is the feast of God the Son, honouring Our Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God. The official monthly list also includes Saint Arsema on this day.

30th: Saint Mark the Evangelist

Saint Mark, author of the Gospel of Mark and one of the Four Evangelists, is commemorated.

Important Reference Note

Please note: Ethiopian Orthodox calendars may include additional saints or use different English spellings and transliterations. This guide presents commonly observed monthly commemorations and is intended as an accessible reference to the living tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Conclusion

Understanding these commemorations deepens our appreciation for Ethiopian culture and spirituality. The rich tapestry of traditions reminds us of the importance of faith and community. By embracing these sacred moments, we connect with a heritage that speaks to the heart.

As we reflect on these commemorations, we can find inspiration in the stories of the saints. Each one carries a message of hope, love, and resilience. This connection to the past enriches our present and guides our future.

For those interested in enhancing their spiritual decor, exploring Ethiopian icon art can be a beautiful way to bring these traditions into our homes. The artistry and craftsmanship reflect a deep reverence for the sacred.

Let us celebrate these monthly commemorations together, honouring the saints and the rich cultural heritage they represent.