Haile Selassie Foundation Raises Funds for the Renovation of Debre Genet Gelila Mariam Church Northern Ethiopia

Under the sponsorship of the Foundation, the Washington DC Debre Genet Galila Mariam Church Renovation Committee held a successful fundraising dinner for the Debre Genet Gelila Kidist Mariam Church established 345 years ago in the northern region of Ethiopia. The fundraiser was cosponsored by the St. Michael and St. Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Churches.

The Haile Selassie I Foundation accepted the proposal presented by the Secretary General of the Renovation Committee in Addis Abeba to renovate this historically significant church.  The Foundation was joined enthusiastically by community leaders, members and businesses in support of the fundraising event. Religious buildings illustrate Ethiopia’s rich history and legacy as a monolithic nation.  Some of these wonderful structures house artifacts dating back to centuries not yet fully recorded and studied by anthropologists and archeologists.  These structures are significant and instrumental to the integrity of the local population.  In most rural areas, as in the case of the Debre Genet Gelila Mariam Church, the surrounding community depend on the churches to offer not only spiritual services but education and, in some cases, employment and a place for social gatherings.  The Foundation was recently informed that the regional administration has commissioned the building of a road for the Church which will encourage social and economic development for the local community.

The Haile Selassie I Foundation delivered the funds raised in the amount of 24,000 Birr, which augmented the total fundraising effort to 100,000 Birr, to the Renovation Committee in Addis Abeba in May 2004.  The Foundation would like to extend its gratitude to all of our members, supporters and donors in efforts to renovate the Debre Genet Gelila Kidist Mariam Church.  Special thanks to: St. Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, St. Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church Debre Genet Mehane Alem Orthodox Tewahido Church, Kesate Berhan Association, Dama Restaurant, Meaza Restaurant, Skyline Restaurant, Hanna Market, Abay Market, and Minute Man Press.

The total amount needed to complete the renovation is 150,000 Birr and an additional 50,000 Birr or $8,000 is still needed.  The Foundation encourages its members and associates to contribute to the renovation by contacting our office at: 703.256.5788 or by directly wiring funds to the Debre Genet Gelila Kidist Mariam Church Renovation Committee, Addis Ababa.

Bank Name: Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Arada Georgis Branch
Account Name: Gelila Mariam Debre Genet Kidist Church Renovation Committee
Account Number: SA74475
Swift Code: CBETETAAXXX
Bank Tel: 11 25 02
If calling Addis Ababa from the U.S. dial:  011 251 1 11 25 02

Haile Selassie I International Development Foundation
U.S. Registered 501 (c) (3) Non-profit Corporation. Copyright 2003-2005.