ArbaharaEthiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Monastery

Rooted in faith. Growing together.

The story and vision of Monastery of Abuna Hara Dengeel.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God.

A beginning in Crandall

Through the grace of God and the support of our spiritual family, we have secured a ten-acre property in Crandall, Texas. Here we hope to establish a lasting home for prayer, the Divine Liturgy, spiritual retreat, and service within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

The property includes a four-bedroom residence, a peaceful lake, and a two-door garage. Our first building priority is to prepare the garage as a place for congregational prayer, with its sacred use and consecration under ecclesiastical guidance.

We also hope to explore the aquifer beneath the land and the possibility of a well for tsebel, holy water. Professional assessment and required permissions must accompany the Church’s blessing and direction.

We build for those who will pray here after us. Our shared records, photographs, and teachings preserve the story of these beginnings so that future generations can know the faith and care behind them.

Aerial view of the existing residence surrounded by trees
The acquired Crandall property. Existing residence.
10 acresLand acquiredCrandallTexas
The campus vision

A place for generations.

Open full-size plan
Conceptual campus master plan with the complete numbered legend
Conceptual campus master plan, preserved from the existing monastery records. Facilities shown are proposed and remain subject to design, funding, and approvals.
  1. 01

    Prepare a place to gather

    Renovate and extend the existing garage for congregational prayer. The earlier plan envisages 250–300 seats; final capacity depends on design, permitting, and safety approvals.

    Planned
  2. 02

    Plan and prepare the land

    Complete surveying, architectural and engineering work, permitting, access, utilities, and site preparation. Assess the proposed well and water supply.

    Planned
  3. 03

    Build the church and monastery

    Develop a permanent Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church and monastery, with the sacred spaces planned under ecclesiastical guidance.

    Planned
  4. 04

    Welcome and care for people

    Plan monks’ residences, guest accommodations, senior care, meeting rooms, and educational spaces as resources and approvals allow.

    Planned
  5. 05

    Provide for future generations

    Develop theological education, youth technology learning, farming, and beekeeping. The long-term campus vision also includes a burial area, subject to the required approvals.

    Planned

There is work for many hands.

Support the construction fund, volunteer your skills, or help preserve the monastery’s records. Contact the office to discuss how you can serve.

Support the monasterySpeak with the office