About Gateway to Heaven Saint John the Baptist and St. Arsema Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Monastery in California
The Gateway to Heaven Saint John the Baptist and Saint Arsema Monastery is part of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) Archdiocese of Northern California, Nevada, and Arizona.
The EOTC is one of the most ancient, universal, and Apostolic Oriental Orthodox Christian Churches, with a history that spans over 2000 years, even tracing its roots back to the Old Testament. Governed by Apostolic Canon law and unique traditions, the EOTC deeply influences the lives of its followers. As globalization has spread, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christians have dispersed across the globe. Recognizing the need to reach its faithful followers, the EOTC has actively expanded its presence worldwide over the past 50 years, establishing many churches in several countries.
Monasticism is a vital tradition within the EOTC, introduced to its followers by a group of missionaries known as The Nine Saints, who fled anti-Monophysitism persecution during the Byzantine Empire in the late 5th century. The profound impact of The Nine Saints’ work in Ethiopia left a lasting and revered monastic tradition, making monasticism an inseparable part of the EOTC.
Monastic traditions offer not only spiritual benefits but also societal ones. Understanding this, the EOTC Archdiocese of Northern California, Nevada, and Arizona has tirelessly worked for over two years to establish an Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Monastery (EOTM) in North America. The Archdiocese’s Planning and Development Department formed a Technical Committee consisting of 10 subcommittees and over 40 members to oversee the process. Through much prayer, hard work, and careful planning, the Will and Grace of God have brought this dream closer to reality.
The consecration of Gateway to Heaven St. John the Baptist and St. Arsema Monastery in the Northern California, Nevada, and Arizona Archdiocese is now within reach. Although much work remains, the words of Nehemiah inspire us: “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build” (Nehemiah 2:20). We hope you will continue to join and support us in establishing the first Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Monastery (EOTM) in this Archdiocese. Glory be to God, now and forever, Amen!
Address:
69300 Vineyard Canyon Rd
San Miguel, CA 93451
USA