Abune Selama the Wonderworker Enters Eternal Rest

His Grace was born in the locality of Beata LeMariam in the City of Mekele, Tigray, as the son of Mr. Gebre Selassie Gebre Medhin and Mrs. Bizunesh Wendimu in 1941/42.

After completing the ecclesiastic education necessary for the diaconate under the guidance of ‘Yeneta’ Kinfe Rigb, the future Archbishop was ordained as a deacon by Abune Markos. His Grace had a deep passion for spiritual education and, as a result, studied Hymnology under ‘Yeneta’ Tekle Markos at Maye Anbesa Monastery, Ge’ez Grammar and Poetry under ‘Yeneta’ Negussie in Tembien at Menewe Monastery, and continued his studies in Ge’ez Grammar and Poetry under ‘Yeneta’ Aklilu in Gonder. He also delved into the study of Exegetics under ‘Yeneta’ Haile Mariam and furthered his education in Ge’ez Grammar and Poetry under ‘Yeneta’ Lisanework in Gojjam. His commitment to learning led him to advance his studies in Ge’ez Grammar and Poetry under ‘Yeneta’ Dibekulu in Gojjam, ultimately earning him the title of a teacher. Subsequently, His Grace taught Ge’ez Grammar at Feres Bet Michael and Giga Michael in Gojjam for a period of 12 years. He then pursued the study of Liturgics under ‘Yeneta’ Leul at Borera Michael. Later, he embraced monastic life, assuming the name Abba Harege Weyen, and was ordained as a priest. Eventually, he received the rank of qomos from the then Archbishop of Gojjam, Abune Markos. In 1971/72, he was assigned to the Diocese of Arsi with the blessing of Abune Lukas, where he served as a district preacher and district archpriest for 22 years, actively ministering at various levels.

In 1993/94, His Grace moved to Addis Ababa with the Patriarch’s blessing. During his time in the capital, he served as the Rector of various churches, including Burayu Tsedenia Mariam Church (in Oromia), Metahara Holy Savior Church (in Oromia), Kaliti Saint Gabriel Church, Salo Saint George Church, Sealite Miheret Cathedral, and Debre Amin Saint Tekle Haymanot Church. While serving as the Administrator of the Holy Trinity Cathedral as ‘Liqe Siltanat’ for five years, he played a significant role in establishing a secondary school and a higher clinic. Additionally, Abune Selama served as the Rector of Entoto Hamere Noah Kidane Miheret Monastery.

Throughout his dedicated service in various parishes across the country, His Grace was ordained as a Bishop for the Diocese of Axum and Central Tigray Zone on August 28, 2005, by the hands of His Holiness Abune Paulos. He also led the Diocese of North Western Shire Enda Selassie for three years alongside his ministry in Axum for approximately nine years. Following that, he served as the Archbishop of East Hararge for six years.

In his later years, due to advancing age and illness, Abune Selama could not travel and minister as actively as before. However, he remained the head of the historical Te’aka Negest Be’ata LeMariam and Menbere Mengist Saint Gabriel Monastery located in the heart of the capital until his passing.

Abune Selama was renowned for his miraculous life of prayer and scholarship, leaving a lasting legacy within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.