This August, several members of the St. George’s community found themselves in the chill of the early morning, with the stars still out, at the entrance to the small Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo St. Gabriel Church in Esquimalt.
We were awake well before the break of dawn to witness and celebrate the baptism of baby Naod.
Naod was born a few weeks earlier to a young couple from Eritrea, Ruth and Tesfalem. With the help of the diocesan refugee sponsorship program, the St. George’s community enabled the couple to start a new life in Canada. They were united with a brother, and a sister and her family, here in Victoria.
A stream of light drew us into the Ethiopian community, along with the rhythmic chanting. Shoes off at the door, we padded over soft carpets to our seats. The sense of sacred space was immediate. Pictures adorned the walls, intricate wooden panelling, a humble font. The officiants themselves were clad in golden robes and headwear, along with youth dressed similarly.
We were greeted with such grace. Each was given a staff called a meqomia, which, translated from the Tigrinya language, means “standing support.” It was indicated the prayers would be many. As women attending, we covered our heads and shoulders with a netsela, a white feather-light muslin.
The pattern of the readings and prayers pulled us into their space. The fragrance of incense filled the air. Smoke spiralled upwards, taking our thoughts and prayers, and blurring our vision.
The mother and child moved into the centre and were welcomed before the font, and Naod’s father, godparents and family gathered around.
A large silver cross was held aloft. The cross had a beautiful and intricate pattern, a unique latticework which symbolizes the interconnectedness of heaven and earth and everlasting life. The officiant dipped it with our prayers into the blessed water and then swept it from side to side within the font.
The now naked baby was presented to this cross at all four directions. As Naod faced the cross, which was taller and wider than his four-week-old self, there was a look of wonder in his eyes which caused one to pause.
Naod’s silence was broken as he was plunged into the font so most of his body was covered by the blessed water. The parents and godparents were sprinkled with this same water. Naod was then anointed with oil and welcomed into the community.
Moving through the climax of this baptismal service, with chanting and incense and the small baby held aloft with wondrous eyes, I was transported to a deeper place. To a place that is mystical yet echoes the familiar. A place of wonder for this ancient love that shines its light around our world; I give thanks for this grace that knows no boundaries.
As the baptism was drawing to a close it was not lost on me that a flock of Canada geese could be heard calling overhead in the now sunlit day. The celebration of new life continued as we gathered later at Ruth and Tesfalem’s home to break bread in honour of their son. Welcome Naod, you and your family are held in love!
About the Refugee Sponsorship Agreement
The diocese has been a Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) with IRCC for many years. From 2016 to 2024, the diocese and its partners sponsored several hundred individuals. Currently, 23 cases (62 people) have applications submitted to IRCC and are in the process with overseas visa offices. 16 cases (36 people) in the past 11 months are in their settlement year. The last few years have been focused on working through the backlog of applications we have submitted, and we are not currently making any new applications for sponsorships.
The Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets would like to take this opportunity to thank parish members, co-sponsors, and local communities for their vital role in welcoming hundreds of refugees to safety and new life in Canada. This important ministry would not be possible without your generosity and ongoing support, and we are deeply grateful to all who continue to make this mission of welcome possible and sustain it for the future. Ruth and Tesfalem, who arrived in Canada on September 20, 2024, are a wonderful example of how our parishes support newcomers into our communities.
About St. George’s refugee ministry
St George’s refugee ministry was formed in September 2015. This was in response to the world lens focusing on the tragic death of a small child, who was fleeing with his family from the Syrian civil war.
From 2016-2025, along with the diocese as a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, we saw private sponsorship obtained for four families. Many prayers, much fundraising and the solid determination of the St. George’s community made this possible, for which we give thanks. These refugee families from Syria and Eritrea continue to grow, work hard and contribute to their new homeland.
