Our Story, our Faith

A house of prayer in Marysville

The life of this parish began through the efforts of clergy and of faithful men and women who, moved by the Holy Spirit, came together in a shared desire to strengthen the Orthodox Tewahedo faith in this community.

The ministry began by giving spiritual education and instruction to the children and the youth. At that time the distance to neighbouring churches made it difficult for many of the faithful to attend the Divine Liturgy regularly, to receive the Holy Sacraments, and to share fully in the life of the Church. Recognising that need, parents, elders, clergy, and members of the community came together for prayer, for consultation, and for counsel.

After extensive consultation with the leadership of the neighbouring local church, a formal request was submitted to the Diocese in accordance with the order and canon of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. With the blessing and permission of His Grace Abune Markos, Archbishop of the Diocese, and through the consecration of the Tabot (Sacred Ark) by His Grace Abune Markos together with His Grace Abune Yohannes, Archbishop of the North Gondar Diocese, the church was officially established in September 2025 (2018 E.C.) in Marysville, Washington.

The decision to dedicate the church to Saint John the Baptist was made in consultation with the Diocese and reflected the heartfelt desire of the clergy and the faithful. Saint John, the great prophet, forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the voice crying in the wilderness, remains a powerful spiritual example and intercessor for this Church.

Our name Debre Salem, "Mount of Peace," remembers the biblical Salem of Melchizedek, the priest-king who blessed Abraham with bread and wine. In a land far from the highlands of Ethiopia, we are a mountain of peace where the old chant rises still.

Our core objectives

The establishment of the church in this area was founded upon several important spiritual and pastoral objectives.

1. The salvation and spiritual growth of the faithful. To help them live firmly rooted in the Orthodox Tewahedo faith, in Christian morality, in prayer, and in the teachings of the Holy Church, while ensuring that the coming generation preserves and strengthens this sacred faith.
2. The education and formation of children and youth. So that they may understand, inherit, practise, and faithfully preserve the Orthodox Tewahedo faith, its teachings, its traditions, and the spiritual heritage entrusted to them.
3. Spiritual and healing ministry through Tsebel (Holy Water). For those seeking comfort, healing, and spiritual support, according to the faith and tradition of the Church and through the covenant and intercession associated with Saint John the Baptist.
4. Spiritual mentorship and pastoral care. The ministry of the spiritual father: guidance, counselling, teaching, confession, and other accessible ministries offered in accordance with the order, teachings, and canons of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Our call and message

Dear and honoured faithful, this Tewahedo church bears the name of Saint John the Baptist, the great prophet, forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the voice of one crying in the wilderness.

The Word of God is not limited by race, colour, language, ethnicity, or place of origin. As the Holy Scriptures teach:

"There is neither Jew nor Greek ... for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

We must therefore reject every form of division that weakens the unity of the Body of Christ. In particular we must rise above the misuse of language, ethnicity, tribalism, and cultural difference as reasons to separate from one another. These divisions have become a serious wound in our generation, and we must not allow them to take root in the Church.

Our calling is to build a church where the Word of God can be proclaimed freely, where the Sacraments can be received faithfully, and where every person who seeks Christ can find spiritual guidance, love, and a place to worship.

We therefore lovingly appeal to all the faithful to support this sacred mission through prayer, through service, through labour, through financial support, and through every means God has placed in your hands. Our responsibility is not only for today. It is also for the children and the generations who will come after us.

Let us work together so that our children may inherit a living faith and not merely a history, and so that the Orthodox Tewahedo faith may remain strong, united, and fruitful for generations to come.

One Church. One Faith. One Mission.

May the Almighty God bless our Church, strengthen the faithful, protect our children and youth, and guide us in unity and truth. May the intercession of Saint John the Baptist be with us. May God accept our service. Amen.