St. Takla's Living Presence

After St. Takla Haymanot went to heaven in 1313 AD, his prayers through Christ blessed the Ethiopian faithful, especially at Debre Libanos Monastery. Tradition says in the late 14th century, hard times with no rain hit Showa, a key EOTC region, leaving fields dry and monks and pilgrims thirsty. The community, worried, gathered at Takla’s tomb under the altar, where his holy relics rested since their move, tradition says in 1369. Led by the abbot, they prayed, asking for Takla’s prayers through Christ, remembering his strong faith.

Some say, that night, a monk saw Takla in a vision, shining with six wings, praying above the monastery. By morning, clouds brought gentle rain, watering the earth and filling a nearby river, to everyone’s joy! This showed Takla’s quick help from heaven through Christ, saving crops and strengthening faith. Pilgrims sang hymns and the story spread, making Debre Libanos a special place where Takla’s care lives on.

Monks wrote this in their chronicles, saying holy water from the monastery’s spring, blessed by Takla’s prayers through Christ, helped those in need. This miracle, like Takla’s work in Ketana, shows his love for those who seek him. Today, Coptic and Ethiopian Christians, honoring Takla on 24 Mesra and 24 Nehase, visit Debre Libanos, praying at his tomb for help, trusting his prayers with Archangel Michael. For kids, this rain story shows Takla as a loving father in heaven, ready to help through Christ, just as he stood strong in his holy cave!