CHURCH ORGANIZATION

The Church was established in 1978 as the first Ethiopian Church in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area; and was duly registered under the laws of the District of Colombia in December 1979. In 1981, it was designated a faith based organization and was issued Federal Tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Department of Treasury.

With the Lord's blessing, construction of our Church at 4401 Old Branch Avenue, Temple Hill, MD 20748 was completed in November 2003 and we've been located there ever since.

Debre Genet was established to maintain religious worship and prayer according to the teaching of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church. It abides by all Ecclesiastical laws and regulations of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church regarding Faith and Worship.

The Ecclesiastical Council and a Board of Directors, each with separate powers, administer the Church.

ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCIL

The Ecclesiastical Council is composed of the Head Priest, two Associate Priests, one Preacher, one Arch Deacon, and three Deacons. The Council is responsible for all religious activities of the Church; ensuring that all religious matters are in compliance with the theology of the Ethiopian Tewahido Orthodox Church, delivering Sermon, administering Sunday Mass and Memorial Services. In addition, all the eight Spiritual Leaders perform the duties of giving Sacraments, visitation and comforting the sick and performing baptisms and wedding ceremonies. The Council also supervises all spiritual education programs for members of the congregation of all ages and participates in fund-raising and charitable activities.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The tasks of the Board are specified in the Church bylaw. Board members are elected by ballot cast by the congregation to serve a term. They are given the mandate to implement the policy of the Church as adopted by the congregation. Currently, there are nine elected Board Members. Of these, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Custodian, hold the titles of Church Officers.

The duties of the Officers are: General supervision of the affairs of the Church, maintenance of all “non-cash” Church property, maintenance of Board attendance and minutes at all meetings, preservation of financial statements and all legal papers, and presentation of financial reports as specified by the Board of Trustees. Much of the work of the Church is accomplished through committees that are appointed by the Board of Trustees. The remaining four Board Members chair various committees as assigned by the Board of Trustees.

At the present time there are five major standing committees and Council of Elders:

1. Building Committee
2. Education Committee
3. Public Relation Committee
4. Fund Raising Committee
5. Finance Committee
6. Sub-Committees

Building Committee

The members of the Building Committee are in charge for the entire process of the construction of the Church. Starting from the purchasing of the land, they are involved with obtaining various building permits, choosing architects and contractors, coordinating their work schedules, securing mortgage loans and monitoring the work flow of the entire construction.

Education Committee

The Education Committee is responsible for the arrangements of Sunday school and various youth programs.

Public Relation Committee

This Committee is responsible for promoting the good image and overall mission of the Church. Its activities include membership drives, writing of the newsletter, helping the congregation meet its spiritual needs, such as sending holy water to the sick, post cards and kind words to the bereaved.

Fund Raising Committee

This Committee is established to raise funds for the operation of Church. Its additional goal is to foster unity and fellowship of our congregation by organizing various family events.

Finance Committee

The Committee members are responsible for assisting the Treasurer in maintaining the Church's financial accounts, and providing monthly and quarterly financial reports. Their duty also includes creating a balanced budget and an annual forecast.

Sub-committees

In addition to the Committees listed above, the Board of Directors from time to time establishes sub-committees to handle special assignments. The life of such sub-committees may span from a few days to many months, depending on the work program.

The names of the current Board:

Melake Genet Lisane Work Woubu, Head Priest
Memehir Zebene Lemma, Asst. Church Administrator
Major Hailemariam Abai (President)
Mr. Woubshet Gedle (Vice President)
Mr. Abel Gashe (Secretary)
Ms. Abeba Desta (Treasurer)
Ms. Sirgut Tsigie (Board Member)
Mrs. Seble Ayalew (Board Member)
Mr. Biniam Gebrewolde (Board Member)
Deacon Temesgen Fikre (Board Member)