St. Takla and Friends

Saint Takla Haymanot kept helping after he went to heaven, guiding his student Hezkial like a heavenly coach through Christ! Tradition says Hezkial, a monk Takla trained, became Abuna, a leader of the Ethiopian Church, in the 1300s. Fifty-six years after Takla went to heaven in 1313, his holy relics were still in his cave near Debre Libanos. One night, some say, Takla appeared to Hezkial in a dream, shining with light, saying, “Move my holy relics to the monastery church!” Hezkial quickly obeyed, leading a big procession to carry the holy relics. Some say as they circled the altar three times, a lamp lit itself, showing Takla’s care through Christ, and a man’s hurt leg healed when he touched the relics.

This wasn’t just a moving day—it showed Takla’s love for his friend and the church through Christ. Hezkial felt Takla’s guidance to keep the monks strong, and today, kids at Debre Libanos learn how their saint led from heaven. For kids, Saint Takla guiding Hezkial is like a message from above through Christ, saying, “I’ve got your back!”—a friendship that shines forever!