About Us
Our Story & Mission
Learn about the Debre Haile Saint Rufael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church — our history, mission, and community.
About The Church
The Debre Haile Saint Rufael church is the only Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church serving Christians in the Central Valley of California. Since its founding on March 13, 2021, the church has made remarkable progress in securing its exempt status from the federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and from the California Franchise Tax Board.
The church provides uninterrupted services from a rented church to Christians in the cities of Tracy, Livermore, Mountain House, Lathrop, Manteca, Stockton, Ripon, Modesto, Riverbank, Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Castro Valley, Pittsburg, Concord, and Alameda.
In addition to regular weekly church services, the church has developed outreach programs to engage in community-centered charitable activities by volunteering time, effort, and donating to worthy causes when possible.
Key Milestones
Divine Liturgy
Mezmur Choir
Community Fellowship
Church Founded
Debre Haile Saint Rufael EOTC officially established on March 13, 2021.
501(c)(3) Status
Secured federal tax-exempt status under IRC Section 501(c)(3).
Sunday School
Formation of the Sunday School and Youth Committee.
Facebook Giving Season
Successful fundraising campaign during the Facebook 2022 Giving Season.
Five-Year Plan
Fundraising and Development Committee launched the five-year development plan.
Spreading the Gospel
Saint Rufael Church's mission is to spread the gospel to the world as accepted by the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church tradition.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
— Matthew 28:19