Meserete Kristos Seminary, the higher theological education arm of Meserete Kristos Church, celebrated graduation on May 17, 2025, in the seminary’s multipurpose hall in Bishoftu, Ethiopia.

A total of 48 men and women completed their degrees: 32 from the Bachelor of Arts program in Bible and Christian Ministry (in English) in Bishoftu; three from the Bachelor of Arts weekend program in Bible and Theology (in Amharic) in Bishoftu; and three from the Addis Ababa campus in the Bachelor of Arts program in Bible and Christian Ministry (in Amharic), while the remaining 10 students were from the joint Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Meserete Kristos Seminary’s fully online Master of Arts in Theology and Global Anabaptism (MATGA) program.

Dr. Yimenu Adimass Belay, academic dean of MK Seminary, presented the graduates to distinguished guests and families at the graduation ceremony. “Our hearts swell with pride and joy as we gather to celebrate the graduation of 48 extraordinary candidates from MK Seminary,” he said.

“These remarkable individuals have poured their heart and soul into their studies, cultivating the knowledge and skills to step into the world with grace, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact.

He added, “This momentous milestone is not just a figure; it stands as a powerful testament to hope, relentless determination, and the transformative power of dreams fulfilled.”

Gishu Jebecha, the seminary’s principal, also spoke at the ceremony. “Today’s graduation is special, as the seminary recently received full accreditation” from the Association for Christian Theolgoical Education in Africa.

Jebecha also noted that the 48 graduates bring the total number of seminary graduates to 2,405. He added in his speech — underscoring the seminary’s vision and momentum — that “by October 2025, the seminary will honor an additional 110 men and women master’s graduates for the first time” from various master’s programs, with a graduation ceremony planned.

President Desalegn Abebe, who serves as president of the Meserete Kristos Church, encouraged and advised the graduates, saying: “The church, the nation, and the kingdom of God need servant-leaders like you — rooted in Scripture, filled with the Spirit, and driven by love and humility!”

David Boshart, president of AMBS, also attended. He was in Ethiopia not only to represent AMBS at the graduation but also to teach a summer course on the MK Seminary campus to the MATGA-Ethiopia cohort.