Who Was St. Takla Haymanot?

Becoming a Monk

St. Takla Haymanot, born Feseha Zion, felt Christ’s special plan for him, choosing a life of prayer, per the Ethiopian Synaxarion (24 Nehase). After his parents passed away—tradition says his mother on 12 Mesra—he became a priest, giving his family’s wealth to the poor to serve Christ. Some say while hunting, Jesus appeared through His grace, calling him “Takla Haymanot,” meaning “Plant of Faith,” and asked him to share Christ’s love, promising power to heal and fight evil spirits.

Takla obeyed, learning from holy monks. In Hayk, Iyesus Moa gave him a monk’s tunic, teaching him for years while Takla prayed many times nightly. At Debre Damo in Tigray, tradition says Yohanni gave him a cap and cloak, guiding him in faith. Later, some say he trained with Monk John at Adgway monastery, growing stronger in Christ. Takla faced dangers like deserts and evil spirits but prayed hard, later standing on one leg for years, showing kids how to love Christ with all their heart, celebrated as “The Wonderworker” on 24 Nehase.

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