Frequently Asked Questions
Where we are, when we meet, what to expect on a first visit, and how to reach us.
Where is Pretoria Kidane Mihret Church located?
The church is at 141 Jubert Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria 0002, Gauteng, South Africa. A map with directions is on the Contact page.
What are your service times?
The Divine Liturgy is served on Saturday evening and on Sunday morning. Because times change with the feasts and the fasting seasons, please telephone the parish on 072 4379 348 or 084 7968 726 to confirm before travelling, especially for a feast day or a first visit.
Do I need to be Ethiopian Orthodox to attend?
No. The doors are open to anyone who wishes to come. A visitor who does not know the order of the service is welcome simply to stand and watch, and standing at the back on a first visit is entirely normal.
What language is the service in?
The Liturgy is served in Ge’ez, the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church since the fifth century, with Amharic alongside it. Ge’ez is a distinct language, not older Amharic — it is the parent of both Amharic and Tigrinya. This website is published in Amharic and English.
What should I wear, and what happens when I arrive?
Modest dress is the custom, and many women cover their heads with a white netela. Shoes are removed before entering the church. Men and women stand on separate sides, and a member of the parish at the door will show a visitor where to go.
What is the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church?
It is one of the ancient Oriental Orthodox churches, with roots in Ethiopia reaching back to the fourth century. “Tewahedo” means “made one”, referring to the union of divinity and humanity in Christ. This parish falls under the South and West Africa Diocese and the Patriarchate of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
How do I contact the church?
Telephone 072 4379 348 or 084 7968 726, email sindisowolde@yahoo.com, or send a message through the form on the Contact page. Messages sent through the form reach the parish administrators directly.
More about the parish
Fuller detail on our services, what we believe, and how to find us.