Our Father Melakeselam Sisay Ayele

Father Melakeselam Sisay Ayele was born in 1919 in a small village called Bel Amba Michael found in Wolqait of Gondar province. He was raised by his mother and Grand father. At the age of seven he started attending a local spiritual school where he studied the bible. However, few years later the education was disrupted as a result of the Italian invasion and many of the children went back to assist their parents in farming practices. After the defeat of Italians his grand father persuaded him to go back and continue pursuing his spiritual education. Father Melakeselam was married in 1943 and few years later in 1949 he received his priesthood from Abune Michael of Gondar.

In 1988 Father Melakeselam helped establish the Debre Medahit-MedaheAlem Ethiopia Orthodox Tewahedo Church along with other community elders and leaders. He also recently published a book with his Fatherly advices referencing the Holy Bible.

Father Melakeselam has been one of the pillars of our community at all times, including at times when the TPLF juntas were forcing him to give up the Churches he was leading in the Sudan. If it were not for Our Father, our community could have easily fallen pray for the Woyane cadres.

It is heart-breaking to see Our Father's health conditions deteriorating in recent time. I personally and on behalf of my community would like to wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Dear Father: we all love you from the bottom of our hearts and we certainly pray for a healthy return to your daily teachings and services. Thank you and May God Bless You.

***P.S. All years above are in Ethiopian Calendar.

To read the .pdf articles in Amharic...
Interview with Gugsa Magazine (July 2002)
Interview with Voice of Unity Magazine (June 2003)