Hundreds of Ethiopians gather in Washington, D.C., adorned in traditional white shawls, to participate in the ancient religious practices of one of Christianity’s oldest branches. Inside the DSK Mariam Church, the Ge’ez language resonates through hours-long worship services, as congregants prostrate themselves in devotion and bow to priests carrying incense-filled censers. Established in 1987 and formally known as Re’ese Adbarat Debre Selam Kidist Mariam Church, this spiritual hub now boasts over 1,500 registered members, with more than 4,000 attendees weekly.
Part of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Churches, one of Africa’s oldest Christian denominations, the church is committed to preserving Ge’ez and other sacred traditions for future generations in the vibrant District of Columbia area, which hosts the largest Ethiopian diaspora in the United States. The community seeks to balance modern life with the rich values of their heritage, offering services in Amharic and English to engage younger generations and new converts.
The Ethiopian diaspora has expanded in the U.S. over the past fifty years, following the 1974 overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie. Population estimates suggest between 250,000 to nearly 1 million Ethiopians reside in the U.S., with the majority concentrated around the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, contributing significantly to the region’s economic and cultural landscape.
DSK Mariam Church embraces cultural symbolism in its faith practices, providing spiritual guidance and a sense of belonging. Congregants, such as 21-year-old Kannazegelila Mezgebu, find solace and identity in the church’s rituals. The church’s teachings, steeped in rich traditions, seek to connect Ethiopian Americans with their roots while navigating the challenges of a bustling urban environment.
Symbolism plays a pivotal role in worship, where every tradition carries profound meaning. Worshippers remove their shoes as a sign of respect, while the “netela,” a modest white cotton cloth, symbolizes purity. Incense represents the Virgin Mary, with the burning coal symbolizing Jesus’s divinity. The intergenerational services incorporate sensory elements, fostering a deep spiritual connection.
In light of Ethiopia’s ongoing conflicts, the congregation seeks divine intervention through prayers for peace and protection for their families back home. The church captures these moments, documenting them for posterity on their YouTube channel, ensuring the traditions live on.
Community Impact
The activities at DSK Mariam Church highlight the significant cultural and spiritual role Ethiopian diaspora communities play in the Washington D.C. area. By maintaining and teaching age-old traditions, these communities enrich the cultural fabric of the region, providing a sense of identity and continuity for younger generations. The preservation of the Ge’ez language and traditional practices offers a bridge between the past and the present, helping Ethiopian Americans stay connected to their heritage while adapting to modern life.
Such churches are more than just places of worship; they are community centers that offer support and a sense of belonging, particularly crucial for immigrants facing the challenges of adjusting to a new country. They serve as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of immigrant communities, showcasing how cultural heritage can thrive and evolve in new environments. The efforts to document and share these traditions with a wider audience also foster greater understanding and appreciation of Ethiopia’s rich cultural legacy, potentially influencing broader cultural and societal dynamics in multicultural regions like Washington, D.C.