St. Gabriel Celebration - San Diego, California (2024)

Ethiopian Orthodox churches from all over Southern California gather at Debre Sahel St. Gabriel to celebrate the angel St. Gabriel. According to the biblical book of Daniel, the angel is believed to have saved three men from being killed in a fiery furnace that was used as punishment from the king of Babylon.

Church goers flood the pews and grounds of the inner halls of the church and the crowd spills over to the outer surroundings of the building. The choir chants hymns to the beating sound of a drum and the priest, along with other church officials are escorted by the choir to the surrounding exteriors of the building. Attendees bring themselves closer to the incense that symbolizes the prayers of the faithful and in good standing with God.