Merafe Kidusan
About us
WHO ARE WE
Welcome to the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church Merafe Kidusan Abune Teklehaymanot in Weert, the Netherlands. Our church community is a sanctuary for Eritrean Orthodox believers in the Netherlands, where we maintain and strengthen our faith, traditions, and community. What began as a modest group of believers in Eindhoven has grown into a flourishing and dynamic community that has now found its home in the Fatima Church in Weert. Here, we come together to continue our faith traditions, support one another, and strengthen the bonds between young and old.
February 2, 2014
In 2014, a small group of Eritrean Orthodox believers came together in Eindhoven at the Egyptian St. Anthony's Church. Encouraged by Father Youssef, the pastor of the church, an initiative was launched to unite the scattered community. Community leaders played a crucial role by suggesting the involvement of local priests in the services. What began as a modest gathering quickly grew into a regular meeting of an increasing number of believers.
May 10, 2015
In 2015, the community took an important step by renting its own church building in the center of Eindhoven. This new space allowed us to organize our services regularly and create a stable foundation for our growing community. Renting our own church building was a milestone that enabled us to organize more engaged activities, such as expanding the Sunday school and other community gatherings.
June 21, 2016
2016 was a special year for our community. We received formal recognition for our Sunday school within the diocese, with a curriculum fully tailored to the needs of the younger generation. Additionally, that year we also received the Holy Ark, one of the most sacred and important objects in the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church. This event strengthened the spiritual bond within our community and marked a new phase of growth and stability. The community continued to expand, with increasing involvement from both young and adult members.
In 2019, our community continued to grow, causing the rented church building in the center of Eindhoven to become too small to accommodate everyone. In light of this growing need, we decided to look for a larger space. This led us to the Fatima Church in the city of Weert, where we have been gathering since that year. The Fatima Church not only provides the necessary space for our services and activities but has also become a place where our community can continue to flourish and develop.
Since our move to Weert in 2019, our community has continued to grow and strengthen. Driven by the dedication of our members, we are building a solid future where togetherness, faith, and education are at the heart. We are committed to engaging new generations, keeping our traditions alive, and providing a safe space where everyone is welcome. Our community continues to expand, and we remain actively seeking ways to support one another and strengthen the bonds within our community.
