History of Christianity in Ethiopia

The exact date that Chirstianity was established in Ethiopia is unknown. The most common Ethiopian legend is that a philosopher named Meropius was shipwrecked in Ethiopia on his way to India in the fourth century A.D. Two scholars named Frumentius and Aedesius who were with him were taken to the royal palace and persuaded Emperor Menelik I to adopt Christianity.

Judaic Influence

Prior to Christianity, the Ethiopians practiced Judaism. Many Judaic practices, such as circumcision and observing the sabbath on Saturdays, remained in Ethiopian Christianity.

Monasticism

Monastacism is an important part of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. It was introduced in the fifth century, probably from Syria or Egypt.

Alexandria Patriarchate

The Patriarch of the Coptic Church of Alexandria (Egypt) provided the Ethiopian Church with its "abuna," or bishop, until the middle of the twentieth century.

Attempt to Convert Ethiopians to Roman Catholicism

In the sixteenth century, Ethiopia was invaded by Moslems and the abuna was killed. The Portuguese defended the Ethiopians. A Portuguese visitor to Ethiopia named John Bermudez claimed that the dying abuna had appointed him as successor, and that the pope has appointed him Archbishop of Ethiopia when he had been in Europe. The Portuguese in Ethiopia believed him and pressured Emperor Galawdewos to covert to Roman Catholicism. Jesuits visited the Ethiopian court, but the court resisted.

Inroads by Other Christian Sects

In the twentieth century, Ethiopia has seen an influx of Roman Catholic and Protestant missionaries, and the foundation of a number of Protestant churches.

References

• History of the Christian Church in Ethiopia