His Eminence Abune Zena Markos
January 1, 1941 - February 13, 2010
Obituary
‘When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live your life in such a way that when you die,
the world cries and you rejoice’…….Kabir
His Eminence Abune Zena Markos, Archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, passed away at
age 72, on Saturday February 13, 2010 in Seattle, Washington.
Abune Zena Markos was born on November 2, 1937 in Ethiopia. Early on, as a celibate monk he dedicated his life to Christ by following and completing the path of the traditional Ethiopian clergy. After he was ordained as full-fledged priest, he served in various churches and monasteries as a priest and administrator. Abune Zena Markos was sent to Greece for four years for advanced theological studies and research.
After finishing his studies in Greece, he served at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem. Abune Zena
Markos was appointed the Archbishop of Wollega on January 21, 1979 and he served his flock in Wollega with love and dedication for six years. Before he left Ethiopia, his eminence was Chief Aide to the Patriarch of Ethiopia.
He continued his apostolic duties all over the world, notably in Africa, Australia and North America.
His dedication and hard work is visible today all over the world by the number of Ethiopian Orthodox
Tewahedo churches owned by Ethiopians and served by Ethiopian clergy. He was instrumental to the building
of numerous churches in Kenya, Canada and the United States, chief among them is Mekane Birhan St. Gebriel
Tewahedo Cathedral in Seattle, which he built and served for over 16 years.
His Eminence Abune Zena Markos is being mourned by Ethiopians all over the world and will be greatly missed by all.
Prayer Services will be held on Saturday, February 20th 2010 at 10am at St. Gebriel Ethiopian Orthodox
Church, 940 26th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144. Services have been entrusted to Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA. Please sign the guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.
Abune Zena Markos will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved Abune Zena Markos
Leul,Salem,Mahlet and Aron.Mengistu
Feb,20,2010
Seattle,wa
February 18, 2010
I was saddened to hear that His Eminence Abune Zena Markos, Archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, has passed away. I extend my personal condolences to everyone who knew and loved him.
I understand that His Eminence Abune Zena Markos performed his apostolic duties with love and compassion in many parts of the world, including Africa, Australia and North America. The Mekane Birhan St. Gebriel Tewahedo Cathedral in Seattle, where he served for 16 years, will stand as a permanent testament to his vision, dedication, leadership and commitment to service. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Michael McGinn
Mayor of Seattle
We are greatly saddened by the sudden passing of our beloved religious father Abune Zena Markos, Archbishop Abune Zena Markos had been the most highly respected religious leader in the Ethiopians community in the USA particularly in Seattle WA of his base of operation. We will miss his leadership & commitment in our community greatly. May our Lord God, rest his Eminence soul in peace for a job well done on this earth forever Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
John 11;25