His Holiness Abune Yohannes was born on April 29, 1936, in Tigray, Ethiopia. His father’s name was Alaka, and his mother’s name was Zenebech Wolde Maryam. He began his education by learning from his uncle, Qes Gebre Hayat, and Mar Yam. He then went to a teacher named Geta Tekle Giorgis, who completed reading and oral lessons, and learned the lesson of philanthropy.
His desire for education led him to leave his homeland and pursue further studies at Debre Abai, a model place monastery for the record liturgy. He later learned poetry from Marigeta magazine while teaching mass in the same monastery. In order to develop his poetry skills, he left Debre Abai and went to the poetry school of the Aleqa Aklilu G/Salase in the Gondar region.
After completing his studies, he returned to his native country, established the monastery of Abune Mezarate Eyesus, and taught hard in his local congregation for 12 years. He produced many deacons, priests, and teachers during this time.
In 1963, he came to Mekele to replace Qes Gebze Gebre Libanos, who had previously studied with him. Since then, he taught at Ksate Berhan Selama Spiritual College and Debre Salam St. Michael Cathedral. In 1983, he was appointed as the administrator of Debre Salam St. Michael Cathedral in addition to his teaching. He lived peacefully in this cathedral for 22 years and oversaw many development works under his leadership.
Abune Yohannes was known for his humility, patience, and good example. He led the congregation in Psalms, Scriptures, Judges, Praise of Mary, and Holy Mary for 33 years together with scholars Jared Kassa. He was also a specially gifted vocalist due to his profession of recording Mass. His voice was recorded and distributed by the Department of Evangelism and Apostolic Mission of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and he was rewarded with a necklace and a cross for his great service to the church.
Abune Yohannes was ordained a deacon in 1956 by Abune Markos, Bishop of Zeritra. In 1954, he was ordained to the priesthood by Aleqa Zemikael Zedebre Abai Monastery, and in 1957, he was ordained to the priesthood by His Holiness Michael Ze Gonder. In 1977, he was ordained to the priesthood by His Holiness Yohannes Ze Tigray.
Abune Yohannes was known for his kindness, humility, love, steadfastness, and respect for people. He was popular among priests, believers, and students.
