ደብረ ብሥራት ቅዱስ ገብርኤል
DEBRE BESRAT KIDUS GEBRIEL
ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX TEWAHEDO CHURCH
PUERTO RICO
About Us
The faith of Christianity was present in Ethiopia long before its official liturgical & ecclesiastical establishment. In the book of Acts 8:26-39, Phillip the Evangelist baptizes the Ethiopian Eunuch. Around the 4th centry AD, The church was officially established under Saint Frumentius, otherwise known as Aba Salama (Father of Peace), who became the first Bishop of Axum.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is an Apostolic church founded by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is one of Six (6) Oriental Orthodox churches. Our sister churches include the Coptics, Eritrean, Syrian, Armenian, and Indian (Malankara) orthodox churches.
Debre Besrat Kidus Gebriel is the first Ethiopian Orthodox Church consecrated in Latin America and Puerto Rico, under the Archdiocese of the Caribbean & Latin America.
We are located at 67MG+48, Utuado, 00641, Puerto Rico
Churches Presence in Puerto Rico
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Puerto Rico was born from a vision carried by faithful families over nearly a decade. What began as a dream gradually became reality through steadfast prayer, collaboration, and the grace of God.
In early 2017, small gatherings were held among friends to share the idea of establishing an Ethiopian Orthodox Church on the island. At the time, it seemed like an overwhelming endeavor—but with unshakable faith and determination, efforts continued through prayer and outreach for spiritual guidance and direction.
By God's grace, in 2021, we secured a piece of land in the mountains of Puerto Rico that would become the future home of the Church. This marked a turning point in our mission. Soon after, communication began with clergy in the United States, which led us to connect with the Archdiocese of the Caribbean and Latin America under the leadership of His Eminence Abuna Thaddaeus.
With the Archdiocese's guidance, we gathered the foundational community and resources needed to begin building a lasting presence. In 2023, we were honored to host the first pastoral visit of His Eminence Abuna Thaddaeus, during which the land was formally consecrated. This historic visit included outreach to underserved communities, university lectures, and strengthened relationships with sister Orthodox churches. Most notably, the visit marked the first time Ethiopian Orthodox liturgical services and baptisms were celebrated on Puerto Rican soil.
Following the consecration, and with the blessing of His Eminence, we began construction of the church. Thanks to a year of hard work and fundraising efforts in both Puerto Rico and California, the building was completed. On January 25th, the church was joyfully inaugurated and consecrated by His Eminence Abuna Thaddaeus, in the presence of clergy and faithful from various Orthodox traditions—a true celebration of unity and new beginnings.
Today, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Puerto Rico continues to grow, offering spiritual services and community support to both local and international members. We give thanks for all who have contributed to this sacred journey.
