Mekane Selam Kidist Lideta LeMariam We’Kidus Gebriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Melbourne, Australia, was established in 2016 with the vision of uniting Ethiopian Orthodox faithful in Melbourne and passing on the church's spiritual heritage to future generations.

The church is home to three sacred Tabots: Kidist Lideta Le’Mariam, Kidus Gebriel and Kidus Yohannes with annual celebrations observed on Ginbot 1, Tahisas 19, and Hamle 19 and Meskerem 1 (Ethiopian calendar) respectively.

The church was blessed by Abune Henock, Archbishop of Australia and New Zealand, and operates within the Ethiopian Synod based in Addis Ababa.

Services and Activities

Sunday Worship (Kidase): Held every Sunday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Bible Study: Weekly sessions for youth every Saturday at 5:00 PM.

Ceremonies: Christenings, Kurban, and other religious services are regularly conducted.

Holy Water Service: Administered by Melakhe Sebehat Komos Aba Gebriel (መልአከ ስብሐት ቆሞስ አባ ገብርኤል) for spiritual healing and relief from pain or illness. Holy water, used in baptisms and healing, offers spiritual strength and renewal. Worshipers often drink the holy water as part of the healing process. This service is available when Aba is in the country from Canada.

Community Support

The church provides free counseling to individuals from all backgrounds. While primarily serving Ethiopian Orthodox faithful, the service is open to anyone who believes in the healing power of faith. Many have traveled from interstate to participate in these transformative experiences.

Vision for the Future

Currently, the church operates under a lease agreement in Laverton North but has taken a significant step forward by acquiring approximately 42,000 square meters of land in Mount Cottrell. With a permit secured to construct a permanent church, the vision is to establish a lasting home that will sustain its services and mission for generations to come. Achieving this goal relies on the active involvement and support of the Orthodox Tewahedo community, as well as everyone who benefits from its services. Contributions are warmly welcomed and are essential to turning this vision into reality.