Many people believe the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has always been exactly the way we see it today. But history reveals a deeper journey โ one that began through Egyptian influence and later developed into a distinct Ethiopian Church.
๐๏ธ The Beginning: Egyptian Connection
When Christianity came to Ethiopia in the 4th century, it was not through an independent Ethiopian movement. It came through Alexandria, Egypt โ a center of early Christian teaching.
Frumentius, a Syrian Christian, helped convert King Ezana of Aksum.
After Ezanaโs conversion, Frumentius went to Egypt and was ordained by the Patriarch of Alexandria (Coptic Pope).
From then on, every head bishop (Abune) in Ethiopia was sent from Egypt, for over 1,600 years!
๐ This shows that Ethiopian Orthodoxy was under the spiritual authority of the Egyptian Church for centuries.
๐งญ How Deep Was Egyptian Influence?
- Doctrine & Theology:
The Ethiopian Church adopted Miaphysite Christology (Jesus has one united divine-human nature), the same as the Coptic Orthodox Church. - Bishop Appointments:
All Ethiopian bishops were appointed and ordained by the Coptic Pope until 1959.
Ethiopians could not appoint their own Patriarch.
- Liturgy & Calendar:
Ethiopian practices reflect some Alexandrian Church models, like the fasting periods, the festivals, and the liturgical structure (though adapted into Ge’ez and local customs).
- Church Law and Structure:
The Ethiopian Church followed the Alexandrian canons, with Egyptian influence on church order, clergy structure, and monastic life.
๐๏ธ Ethiopian Independence (1959): A New Chapter
In 1959, under Emperor Haile Selassie, Ethiopia finally received the right to appoint its own Patriarch โ Abune Basilios became the first native Ethiopian head of the Church.
Since then, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church has been autocephalous (independent), with full control over its leadership and decisions.
โ๏ธ So Is Ethiopian Orthodoxy Egyptian?
๐ Historically, yes โ in origin and early structure.
But over time, Ethiopian Orthodoxy developed:
Its own language of worship (Geโez)
Unique saints, holy books, and fasting rules
Strong Ethiopian cultural identity
Distinctive architecture, music, and traditional beliefs
โ๏ธ Final Thoughts
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church began as a branch under the Egyptian Coptic Church, but it became a living symbol of Ethiopian spirituality and independence.
It is one of the oldest Christian institutions in the world โ African in soul, influenced by Egypt, and uniquely Ethiopian.