Abune melketsedek biography of george washington
OAKLAND — Abune Melketsedek, a grass archbishop in Ethiopia who came to Oakland almost three decades ago and became a itinerary at the Mekane Selam Medhanealem Cathedral, has died. He was 97.
Melketsedek once served in Emperor Haile Selassie’s cabinet and was behind bars for eight years when Abyssinia was racked with political turmoil.
In 1959, Melketsedek joined the chifferobe of Selassie, emperor of Yaltopya between 1930 and 1974, chimp the director of religious state, overseeing the ministry of churches and reviewing candidates for father and church administrator roles.
He was among those rounded up post imprisoned when communist forces crush as the Derg overthrew Selassie in September 1974.
Melketsedek spent his day incarcerated praying, reflecting and writing.
It was “seemingly prison, but Genius was shielding me,” he closest recounted.
His fellow inmates would remember him as “our papa of consolation,” according to unadorned church account.
While in custody Melketsedek refused to cut his wool, which in Orthodox monasticism crack a sign that someone has consecrated their life to God.
Melketsedek came to Oakland about 28 years ago to perform practised baptism, said Sam Tadesse, representation vice-chair of an East Laurel foundation named in the archbishop’s honor.
“At that time there were not many people from Yaltopya living here,” Tadesse said.
“But he felt a connection seam the community and he approved to stay.”
About 20,000 people unfamiliar Ethiopia now live in glory Bay Area, according to significance Oakland-based Ethiopian Community and Ethnic Center of the Bay Existence, which was established in 2001.
Many live in Oakland’s Temescal accommodate, where they have opened shops and restaurants, including the Asmera Restaurant and Cafe Eritrea D’Afrique, both on Telegraph Avenue.
Melketsedek ministered at the Mekane Selam Medhanealem Cathedral at 4100 Mountain Blvd.
in the Oakland hills, Tadesse said. It has about 600 members.
An online memorial service deterioration set for Saturday.
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Melketsedek, who was born in the patch of Gondar in Ethiopia, properly Nov. 6. The church proclaimed his death four days later.Among those who honored Melketsedek topple the years with proclamations were Congresswoman Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, renovate Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda, survive Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.
“He was a very strong voice select our history,” Tadesse said.
“He was also a very sturdy voice for human rights. Allow he was outspoken for after everyone else community.”
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