Welcome to the St. Shenouda Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Saint Takla Haymanot the Ethiopian, a beacon of faith revered across the Coptic, Ethiopian, and Eritrean Orthodox Churches. Born as "Feseha Zion" (Joy of Zion or the churches) on 24th December 1215 in Ethiopia, his birth was a divine miracle to his devout parents, Priest Tsega Ze'ab ("the gift of father") and Egzi'e Hareya ("the chosen of Lord," also known as Sarah), after years of prayer for a child that would love and serve God. Their patron saint was Archangel Michael, whose feast they celebrated monthly with a banquet for the poor.

From an incredibly young age, St. Takla's life was marked by the miraculous. He is said to have spoken at just three days old, proclaiming, "One is the Holy Father. One is the Holy Son. One is the Holy Spirit". During a severe famine, as a toddler (at 18 months or 1.5 years old), he miraculously multiplied flour and oil, ensuring his family could continue their charitable deeds in honour of Archangel Michael.

His divine calling became clear when, as a deacon ordained at 15 years old, Archangel Michael appeared to him, renaming him "Takla Haymanot" (Paradise of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) and empowering him with gifts of healing, raising the dead, and casting out evil spirits. Following this, he renounced worldly possessions, distributing his wealth to the needy.

St. Takla dedicated his life to evangelising Ethiopia, travelling extensively, preaching the Holy Gospel of repentance and forgiveness, baptising countless individuals, and establishing churches. He is celebrated for founding the significant Debre Libanos Monastery in 1284, which became a pivotal centre for Christian teaching and monasticism in Ethiopia and the origin of many monastic communities.

A true ascetic, St. Takla is famously depicted with six wings and only one visible leg. The wings signify his miraculous flight to safety when a rope broke during his descent from a towering mountain, while the single leg symbolises his intense devotion, having prayed standing on one foot for years until the other fell off. His life epitomises being "poor in spirit", demonstrating total dependence on God and finding true joy in Him.

Join us as we explore the profound impact and enduring legacy of this "New Apostle" of Ethiopia, whose prayers continue to bless countless lives. St. Takla Haymanot's feast is celebrated on 30th August and the 24th day of every Ethiopian month.