The newly formed Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christian (EOTC) Campus Ministry held its first Good Friday event at Ascension Chapel on Friday, April 10. Open to both followers of the faith and those interested in learning more, the service featured prayer and prostration led by Tewodros Zewde, a “kesis,” or priest. Although this marked the organization’s first official event, its formation has been a long time in the making.

First-Years Yohana Belay and Hasset Asmamawe, president and vice president of the EOTC Campus Ministry, said they began the process in fall 2025, working through multiple stages of approval and information sessions. After months of planning and presentations, the organization was officially approved in late March of this year.

Belay said that although starting the organization was challenging enough, navigating the process as both a First-Year and an international student added an extra layer of complexity.

“[Figuring out] how to navigate college life in the U.S. and what to do, who to ask questions to – that is stuff on its own, and then starting a new club is another challenge,” Belay said. 

The ministry’s first program, held in observance of Good Friday, centered on reflection and communal gathering. In keeping with the tradition of the fast, participants abstained from food and drink, focusing on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The event was open to all, and members of the organization provided modest attire, such as head coverings, to help those unfamiliar with the customs feel welcomed.

First-Year Selam Alemayeu, treasurer of the EOTC Campus Ministry, said Good Friday provides her with a sense of remembrance of what her faith is centered around. 

“It’s where Jesus Christ died on our cross, he was crucified – he died for our sins. It’s a reminder that he loves us, [and] even in our worst, he still chooses us. It’s a reminder of scarification and love,” Selam Alemayeu said. 

Outside of Good Friday, the group has several other programs in the works. The EOTC Campus Ministry operates under the Mahibere Kidusan USA, which supports students in practicing their faith throughout higher education. While the ministry creates a community on Augustana’s campus, it is also part of a broader network of EOTC communities under the same organization.

In the upcoming school year, a four-year online curriculum based on the EOTC faith will be introduced, offering students the opportunity to deepen their spiritual life and graduate with recognition. The course will be offered in both English and Amharic and will include all teachings, making it accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.

First-Year Fiker Alemayeu, event organizer of the EOTC Campus Ministry, said having these opportunities to further connect with her religion is what keeps her grounded in her faith, even while far from home. 

“There is no Ethiopian Orthodox church around here. It’s easy to drift apart from your faith [and] roots when you don’t have these [organizations]. Back home [going to church] is something we do every Sunday and that keeps you [with the faith],”  Fiker Alemayeu said. “But here, it’s very important to have this community.”

For members of the EOTC, the ministry represents not only a place of worship but also a sense of home and identity while away from their roots, as well as a community that supports them through their education.