A Shepherd Among His People: Archbishop Abune Ephrem Takes Residence at the Cathedral
“I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified.” Jeremiah 23:4
By the grace and providence of Almighty God, a solemn and historic chapter has opened in the life of the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Europe. With His Grace Archbishop Abune Ephrem now taking residence within Debre Bisrat St Gabriel W’a Abune Aregawi Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Cathedral, the Episcopal Seat of the Archdiocese of Europe has assumed its full and living expression: altar, cathedral, shepherd and faithful gathered within one sacred ecclesiastical home. This moment bears witness to the enduring continuity of the apostolic faith received and preserved through the ancient seat of Axum and Tigray, and to the steadfastness of a people who, through suffering, exile and trial, have remained anchored in prayer and in the hope of Christ. The Archbishop’s residence among his flock is therefore not merely a matter of place, but a visible sign of pastoral guardianship, spiritual restoration and ecclesial renewal — a shepherd established among his people to teach, sanctify, comfort and guide, and a sacred dwelling from which the ancient Orthodox Tewahedo heritage of Tigray may continue to flourish across Europe for generations to come.
Debre Bisrat St Gabriel Tigrayan Orthodox Tewahido Curch London
From Journey to Joy: A New Cathedral Rises as a Seat of Faith for Europe’s Tigrayan Orthodox Community
“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”
Psalm 95:1
On 24 th and 25 th April 20226, Debre Bisrat St Gabriel Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church in London joyfully celebrated the official opening and consecration of its new permanent home in a historic and deeply spiritual ceremony led according to the ancient traditions of the Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church. This long-awaited milestone marks a moment of profound joy, spiritual fulfilment, and historic significance for the congregation, representing the culmination of nearly two decades of perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. With its elevation to cathedral status as the official seat of the Archdiocese of Europe, the occasion also heralds the beginning of a new and even more consequential chapter in the life of the community.
This is more than a building — it is a lasting spiritual home for generations to come.
“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” – (2 Corinthians 9:15)
The primary objectives and purposes are:
- To establish and maintain a Church of religious worship in accordance with the teachings of Christianity as adopted by the Tigray Orthodox Tewahido Church.
- To conduct and maintain services of divine worship according to Orthodox tradition.
- To offer Orthodox Tewahido services every Sunday and holy days.
- To provide spiritual and cultural programs promoting Tigrayan heritage.
- To provide Baptism, Marriage and Burial rites.
- To build a strong orthodox community rooted in love and unity.