GTHBA History
From a small Bible study fellowship in the Washington area to a community organization supporting faith, charity, and shared Orthodox celebrations.
Two enduring commitments
Share the Gospel
Teach and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
Serve people in need
Make charity a practical expression of faith through relief and community support.
GTHBA began in 1991 in Silver Spring, Maryland, at the residence of Rev. Dr. Amare Kassaye. In 1993, the association was incorporated as a nonprofit under District of Columbia law.
Weekly Bible study became a central ministry, with meetings held three times each week. The association also developed a weekly radio program for people in the Washington, DC region who could not attend Bible study in person.
Its charitable work has reached people in the United States, Ethiopia, and refugee camps in Kenya. During the 1998 Ethiopian famine, GTHBA organized a major emergency hunger-relief effort that brought Ethiopian Orthodox churches in North America together and raised more than $400,000 for famine victims.
GTHBA later served as an umbrella organization for member churches in the Washington metropolitan area and has helped organize shared Meskel/Demera and Timket celebrations, bringing Orthodox communities together in worship and fellowship.
A continuing journey
Association established
GTHBA begins in Silver Spring, Maryland, as a Bible study fellowship.
Nonprofit incorporation
The association becomes incorporated under District of Columbia law.
Emergency famine relief
A large-scale campaign mobilizes churches and raises more than $400,000 for Ethiopian famine relief.
Bible study, media, and community
GTHBA continues its educational, media, charitable, and community-building mission.
Weekly Bible Study
The current site lists Bible study at Debre Selam Kidist Mariam Church, 1350 Buchanan St NW, Washington, DC 20011, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:00–8:30 PM. Contact GTHBA to confirm the current schedule before traveling.
Saint Tekle Haymanot
Saint Tekle Haymanot (Takla Haymanot, “Plant of Faith”), c. 1215–1313, is remembered as an Ethiopian monk and founder of a major monastic community. He is venerated in the Ethiopian and Coptic Orthodox traditions.
His feast is observed on August 17, and the 24th day of each Ethiopian-calendar month is traditionally dedicated to his remembrance.