IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD AMEN!
It is to be recalled that the Oriental Christian Churches maintained their relations since ancient times.
They met in different parts of the world, and discussed issues of common concern, identified directions to strengthen cooperation among them selves.
These oriental sister Orthodox Churches have also endeavored to establish cooperation and advance better understanding and mutual goals with other Eastern Orthodox Churches, amplified the teaching of the churches having relevance to the human race, universal peace and justice for all. They have maintained their positions by working side by side with their respective governments and peoples.
Accordingly, the Heads of these five Oriental Orthodox Churches assembled in Addis under the auspices of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. The conference was held at the Economic commission for Africa Hall from January 15-21, 1965.
It is undoubtedly an event of great importance in the history of the Churches. For the first time it brought together in a formal meeting the heads of five of the historic churches. Accompanied by delegates each, they came together and thereby inaugurated a new era of cooperation and communication among their churches. Although these five churches have all along recognized one another officially as sister churches holding full Eucharistic fellowship with each other, they have not had a common council or synod after the fifty century. (It was at Ephesus in 431 AD that these churches had their last common council). Now after so many long centuries, this conference had offered them the beginning of a new era of cooperation.
The conference debated, discussed and passed resolutions on the following:
6. Implementation and follow up mechanisms in areas of:
Based on this; the Coptic Orthodox church and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church revitalized their 1600 years of ties which can be regarded and historical significance.
Prior to the ecclesiastical autonomy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Coptic Church was the principal supporter and trustee of the Ethiopian church hierarchy. We gratefully acknowledge the contribution of the ancient Coptic Church in this regard.
Today the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has attained the highest level of international prestige, honor, respect, and recognition as the evidenced by the fact that the head of this Church is the president of the World Council of Churches as well as honorary president of Religions for Peace.
It is, how ever, and undeniable experience that the relationship of the two sisterly Churches was loose and cool and both sides could not meet their expectations of working together due to 1974 Ethiopian revolution and the resultant negative policy of the Dergue Regime on Religions in Ethiopia.
It is to be cherished that His Holiness, Aram Keshishian I Catholicos of Armenians made the necessary effort to bring together the heads of the two sister churches in a consultation, discussion and negotiation in Beirut and Addis Ababa on different occasions.
His Holiness, Abune Paulos I, Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the head of the Coptic Orthodox church exchanged views and established common understanding of cooperation and close cooperation and collaboration leading to the renewal of historical ties of the sisterly churches.
A sequel of ill feeling and misunderstanding was removed and positive areas of cooperation and relations worked out. This was concretized by the fact that in June 2007, the Holy synods of the three sisterly churches held meetings in Cairo, Egypt, resolved to maintain peace and harmony among Ethiopian and Coptic Orthodox churches. The holy fathers caused, through the Holy Spirit, reconciliation with the heads of the two Churches. This event opened up a new chapter of renewed relations and historical ties.
Based on the principles cooperation derived from the resolutions of the Holy synods of the three churches, a delegation composed of:
1. His Holiness, Abune Paulos I, Patriarch of Ethiopia, Archbishop of Aksum, Echegeue of the See of St. Teklehaimanot, President of the world Council of churches, Honorary President of World Religions for peace, together with his delegation;
2. His Holiness Abune Aram Keshishian I, Catholicos of the Armenia Apostolic Orthodox church; together with his delegation
Met with His Holiness Abune Shenouda, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark in Egypt together with Holy Synod from July 14-18/2007.
This high level delegation discussed details and renewed their historical ties, with firm commitment to further strengthen and enhance future areas of cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the three heads of the sisterly churches issued a declaration that reaffirms the three Ecumenical councils:
a. the Council of Nicea (325, AD)
b. The Council of Constantinople (381), and the Council of Ephesus (431); and regretted with sorrow that due to the suppressive measures of the Ethiopian Dergue Regime, the three sisterly churches kept themselves at a distance and could not work together.
They encountered difficulties to work together in the promotion of world peace, amelioration of social conditions of the poor and establishing a common agenda for bringing the teaching of the church to the world.
Cognizant of the difficulties in the recent past, the declaration reiterated that they have the same doctrine and dogmatic teaching and that they shall pursue their apostolic services and teaching in harmony with each other. The decisions of the three holy fathers brought about hope and bright future for collaboration with the two churches. Commenting on the declaration, His Holiness Abune Paulos I, Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox church said:
- “The world has now become a blessing and a challenge to the Christian churches through out the globe. It constantly changing calling for a new approach to serve the world; the social and economic problems together with the emergence of new technologies and communications became complex. the requires joint understanding and common strategies, and the church leaders have spiritual and historical roles, functions and responsibilities to respond to spiritual social and economic needs of the world. We are exceedingly glad that the three churches have come much closer to each other and brought peace as granted by God.”
His Holiness, Pope Shenouda said
- “The present harmony and the effort to strengthen it with the sister churches shall assist us in our mission to improve the social conditions of our people in the respective countries.
Together we are, we shall remove all the obstacles facing the Churches today Efforts of His Holiness Abune Paulos are reckoned as significant for the effective collaboration among each other.”
Therefore, the present official visit of His Holiness, Pope Shenouda III, and the series of discussions with the Holy Synod of Ethiopia is part and parcel of the renewal processes of the historic ties.
The declarations of intent and commitment to promote theological education, apostolic activities, as well as social services will assist the two Churches to even render greater and effective services, and it is hoped that the spiritual guidance and collaboration of the two leaders will bear fruit to serve within the frame work of national and international communities.
Megabe Mistire wolde Rufael Fetahi
April 2008.
History of the Coptic Orthodox Church and Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, Their Historical Relationship
Introduction
Egypt, Syria, Armenia, Celicia, Ethiopia and India are countries where the Sees of the Oriental Orthodox Churches are found currently. The Oriental Orthodox Churches constitute the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Syrian Antiochian Orthodox Church, the Apostolic Armenian Orthodox Church, The Cilician Apostolic Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, and the Indian Malankara Orthodox Church.
These Churches do not accept the Council of Chalcedon which was held in 451. This Council has not only divided the Churches but it also has changed the history of the universal Church as a whole. The Oriental Orthodox Churches are known for preserving their long established tradition.
The Oriental Orthodox Churches trace their ancient tradition to the Apostolic Era. The Coptic Orthodox Church has its origin in the Christian community which spread to the Blue Nile Valley. As a result it has had a long relationship with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church dating back to the fourth Century A.D.
After the division of the Churches into two camps, the Oriental Orthodox Churches held to their name “Oriental Orthodox Tewahido” churches. This confirms the fact that they hold fast to their faith. Many followers of the Oriental Orthodox Churches live in Diaspora in North and South America, Europe, Australia and Africa. These Christians hold on to their long established traditional Christian belief.
Upon the invitation of Emperor Haile Selassie I, former Emperor of Ethiopia, the Oriental Orthodox Churches held their Council in Addis Ababa in January 1965 for the first time in many years. At this council these Churches discussed ways to strengthen their relationships in the fields of response to the modern world, theological education and evangelical services; and the working relationships they would have with other churches in the fields of peace and security in the world. This council also opened the way for discussion with Eastern Orthodox Churches. The Council’s decisions were at the same time considered major and first steps towards the unity of churches.
All oriental Orthodox Churches have preserved their traditional liturgical services and other sacred practices. They observe the various fasts and feasts, honor the Saints, the use icons in their worship and teachings.
All Oriental Orthodox churches are members of the World Council of churches. It is to be recalled that His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark has served the Council as its President for seven years. Currently His Holiness Abune Paulos Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, Archbishop of Axum, Echegeue of the See of Saint Tekle Haimanot, and President of the World council of churches, and Honorary President of World Religions for Peace is serving as the President of the world council of churches.
Among the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the relationship between the Coptic Orthodox Church and Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church has a special place. To say the least they have been under one Holy Synod for a period of 1600 years. This article is a resume depicting this long relationship between these two churches.
1. The Coptic Orthodox Church
The Coptic Christians are the original ethnic group of people inhabiting Egypt with long history. The country of the Copts has two names, Missr and Egypt (Gen. 10:6 and 14). The word Copt comes from the Greek word aygiptos whose meaning is Egyptians.
Egypt in the Holy Bible is the land of refuge. While drought struck the Middle East in ancient times, Abraham, Joseph, Jacob and his children, as well as the Prophet Jeremiah took refuge in Egypt to escape the ravage of famine. In addition to this Our Lady the Virgin Mary spent three years and six months in Egypt with her child Our Lord Jesus Christ.
During the visit of the Holy Family to Egypt many miracles had occurred. Many places were also blessed. Churches were later built in places where the Holy family resided. Foreign visitors do not miss visiting these Churches.
The visit of Our Lord as a child to Egypt makes that country equal in holiness to the Holy Land of Israel where he was borne and grew up. This was in the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah. The words of the prophet, which refer to the Lords visit to Egypt as a child, are the following:
“See how the Lord comes riding swiftly upon a cloud, he shall descend upon Egypt: the idols of Egypt quail before him, Egypt’s courage melts within her.” (Isaiah19:1) “When that day comes there shall be an altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a sacred pillar set up for the Lord upon her frontier. It shall stands as a token and a reminder to the Lord of Hosts in Egypt, so that when they appeal to him against their oppressors, he may send a deliverer to champion their cause, and he shall rescue them. The Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians; on that day they shall acknowledge the Lord and shall do him service with sacrifice and grain offering make vows to him and pay them.” (Isaiah19:19-21).
The “alter” the Prophet mentions is the symbol for the alter of the Coptic Orthodox Church established by Saint Mark in the first century A.D.
Saint Mark and the Coptic Orthodox Church
St. Mark, who is the writer of the second of the four gospels, is one of the Seventy Disciples of Our Lord. He was born to the Jewish family in Libya, North Africa Our Lord celebrated the last Supper on the occasion of the Passover Festival at St. Mark’s house in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit descended upon the Disciples of Jesus on the day of Pentecost in the same house. Therefore it can be said that the house of St. Mark was the first Church of Christ.
St. Mark went to Egypt from Palestine as missionary. He preached the Gospel to the Egyptians teaching them about the saving acts of Our Lord. He converted many to Christianity, and ordained a person called Anyanos as the first Egyptian priest to the first Church in Egypt. He eventually consecrated Anyanos as a bishop. St. Mark’s life ended as a martyr in 68 A.D. in Alexandria in the hands of the enemies of Christianity. After the death of St. Mark Christianity continued under the leadership of Anyanos who had received responsibility from St. Mark for the spread of Christianity in Egypt.
St. Mark is the first Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church Where the succession of ordination of the Apostles has continued until present time. Consequently, the see of that church is called the See of St. Mark. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III is the 117th Patriarch of that line of St. Mark. Anyone who is consecrated and elevated to the See of St. Mark is given the patriarchal name: “Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark.”
The Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church had suffered the persecution of the Roman Caesars, specially in 284 during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Because of this the Coptic Orthodox church is known as the Church of the Martyrs.
The Coptic Orthodox Church starts its calendar from the date the majority of the Coptic Christians were martyred. This date was designated as the beginning of the date of the Coptic Orthodox church to commemorate all those who were martyred for the sake of their Christian faith.
The Contribution of the Egyptian Coptic Church to the Christian World
Education:
St. Mark Established a School in 41 where the canon law was taught, and from where a number of Church leaders who became lights to the world were educated. This school has been a center for teaching Christian theology for the Christian world. Among the Church Fathers who were educated at this school were St. Clement of Alexandria (150-215), St. Athanasius the Apostolic (259-373) and St. Cyril of Alexandria (376-444).
Theology:
St. Athanasius had defended the Apostolic church from the heresy of Arius and St. Cyril defended the Church from the heresy of the Nestorians. At the Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325 and at the council of Ephesus in 431 these Church Fathers defended the true Christian faith by presenting the correct teachings of the Church. Later at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, St. Dioscurus, Patriarch of Alexandria, saved the Orthodox churches by witnessing the one nature of God the incarnate Logos.
The Coptic Orthodox church Fathers’ calculation to arrive at the correct calendar for celebrating the Easter Holiday among all the Christian Churches is one more contribution to the Christian world.
The Monastic life
The monastic order was first established by the Egyptian Orthodox Church. The foundation for the idea of monastic life was first laid by Abba Pauli at the end of the third century A.D. But actually the monastic order took its current shape as a result of he effort of Abba Antonios. With these church fathers as pioneers of monasticism, the idea and practice spread to the rest of the Christian world. Still monasticism is extant in Egypt.
Evangelical mission
After Christianity took roots in Egypt monks, priests, Christian traders and those devout men and women spread Christianity in many parts of the world going in groups and individually. The Alexandrian school had sent Christian missionaries to Libya, Phrygia, Sinai, Arabia Phelix, Upper Egypt, Nubia (Sudan) and other parts of the world to preach the Gospel.
St. Athanasius had established a Church in Belgium where he took refuge in Europe in his first persecution. InZurich, Switzerland, three Coptic Evangelists taught the Gospel. Seven monks were among the first missionaries who arrived in Ireland to teach the Good News. These missionaries have left their lasting imprints of Christian legacy of arts and tradition in the life of the people of that country.
The Coptic Orthodox church Today
The Coptic Orthodox Church has been expanding all over the world and getting stronger since the beginning of the 19th century. It has been spreading her faith, Christian education and history. As a result of the Church’s special concern for Africa, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III has designated a Bishop for Africa. Currently there are 14 churches in Africa, and 80 churches and monasteries in different parts of the world. There has been also designated a Bishop for the Evangelical activities of the church in different parts of the world.
The expansion and Evangelical activities of the Coptic Orthodox Church shows that it has been serving as an Ambassador of the Kingdom of God since its establishment.
The instruments for undertaking her Evangelical activities are the modern theological school established by Pope Cyril the IV, girls’ school, and the reorganized Alexandrian school in 1893 where church servants and leaders are educated and taught for the service of their Church, and sent out to the world to render their service. In addition, it uses the supply of its manpower trained in the institutions found in different parts of the world.
The Coptic Orthodox Church currently enjoys a strong Holy Synod whose membership constitute ninety Metropolitans and Bishops. The membership of this Church is estimated at about 12 million.
The Coptic Orthodox Church is a founding member of the World Council of churches, the All Africa Conference of Churches and the Council of the Middle East Churches. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, who is a prominent Church leader of the Christian world, has served the World Council of Churches for seven years as its President. The Coptic Orthodox church is holding official and unofficial dialog up with other Eastern and Western Churches regarding the unity of the Universal and Apostolic Church.
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III is a great Church Leader and an Evangelist advocating the unity of the Churches. He has published 120 pastoral books to strengthen the laity in their faith and Christian life. He also is known for teaching the laity at St. Mark’s Cathedral, and theological students at the various theological institutions in Egypt. He is there fore known as Athanasius of our time.
The Coptic Orthodox laity supports their diocesan bishops by providing them assistance in the fields of social and administrative activities. They also provide their church with financial support. To strengthen the work of the Church, there have been established lay committees and joint committees of the clergy and the laity.
The Coptic Orthodox Church has three Anaphoras. These are the Anaphora of St. Cyril, the Anaphora of St. Gregory, and the Anaphora of St. Basilios. The Church uses Arabic in conducting the Holy Mass. But the Coptic language is still used in the Church service.
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark visited Ethiopia for the first time in 1974 upon the invitation of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I. His Holiness is currently on visit for the second time from April 11 to 13, 2008, this time upon the invitation of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, Archbishop of Axum, Echegeue of the See of St. Tekle Haimanot, President of the world council of Churches, and Honorary President of World Religions for Peace. This is an occasion of joy for all Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church clergy and all her followers.
2. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church
Establishment
The Acts of the Apostles 8:26-40 confirms that the Ethiopian eunuch who was the high official of the Candake or Queen of Ethiopia came back home after being baptized by the Evangelist St. Philip. The eunuch and St. Philip met when the latter was on his way back home after making pilgrimage to the Holy Land in Jerusalem in 34. Thus the history of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church rightly goes back to the early first century A.D.
Prior to this the country belived in one God following the rule of the Old Testament.
The Old Testament belief was introduced to the country after the visit of Queen of Sheba to Jerusalem. The people practiced their Jewish worship of God for one thousand years because after the Queen’s return from her visit the Levites and the priests brought with them the Book of the Old Testament to the country and its religious practices. It was because of the prevalence the Old Testament belief that the Ethiopian eunuch went to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, and to perform the religious rites instructed in the Old Testament.
On account of the Ethiopia has been known as the land of God in the books of the Old Testament. The expression “Ethiopia stretches her hands to God” (Ps.66:31) indicates that Ethiopia has been worshipping God since then.
Even though the beginning of Christianity goes back to the baptism of the high official of Ethiopia, the actual Christian teaching, religious practices, rituals, and the religious and social services began in 330 A.D. after St. Frumentius was consecrated as Bishop of Ethiopia by St. Athanasius, Patriarch of Alexandria, and sent to Axum. St. Frumentius who was later known as Eluminator of Christianity was of Greek stock but a Syrian and an Ethiopian national. He introduced the full Christian teachings and rites. Christianity became a State religion since that period in Ethiopia. The Holy Bible was translated into Geez during this period.
Defense against the Heresy of Arius
Constantius II who was the follower of Arius teaching wrote to the saintly kings of Ethiopia, Abraha and Atsebha, after St. Athanasius consecrated St. Frumentius and the Bishop in 330 and sent him to Ethiopia. Constantius’ letter which was sent to the two brother kings through and Indian named Theophilos, asked them to recant the teachings of St. Athanasius which St. Frumentius brought to the country and adopt the teaching of Arius.
However, Saints. Abraha and Atsebha rejected Constantius’ request, because they had given their full support to the teachings of Athanasius and the decisions of the Nicaean Ecumenical Council which condemned the Arian teaching as heresy. St. Athanasius had written from the place of his reluge a letter of appreciation to the two kings when he received the news of their rejection of Constantius II request to accept the Arian teaching. This correspondence made between Constantius II and Ethiopian Christian kings in the 4th century is of historic significance, for the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church’s international recognition.
The Nine Saints and their contribution to the Development of the Church
The coming of the Nine Saints from the Eastern Mediterranean contributed to the growth of the Church in Ethiopia. These Saints interpreted the religious books, the rules of religious practices and monastic life into Geez, the language of the time. These were not translated during the apostolic activities of St. Frumentius. These Saints had preached the gospel widely as well as established monasteries and the monastic life of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church.
The Rise of St. Yared
The Church songs and song books Ethiopian Orthodox Church uses to conduct her church services were composed by St. Yared. The songs were composed in three tunes.
St. Yared is known the world over because of the unique song books and songs he composed which Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido church is using in its religious service. He is also one of the Ethiopian Saints because he led a holy and saintly life teaching the clergy his songs. A church as been built in his name and foreigners who observe his songs admire and appreciate his contribution to the Christian culture.
Ethiopian is the Land of Saints
Since the 5th century many people have been joining monasteries to lead a life of devotion and prayer, and also serve God in fasting, prayer and teaching. There have been many who attained perfection as holy men and women among these people. There are many who have been consecrated as Saints. Among these are the famous St. Iyesus Moa who had opened a school at the island of Haiyque in 12th century in Wello, St. Abune Tekle Haimanot founder of Debre Libanos Monastery in Shewa who was in his days known as the New Apostle, and Abba Giyorgis Zegasicha who was a prolific writer of Church books.
Among the saintly women we may mention St. Christos Semra, St. Welette Petros, St. Mesquel Kibra, St. Fiquerte Mariam and St. Zena Mariam.
There were also Ethiopian kings who have been designated as saints because of their saintly life while leading a secular life in their days these include Saints Abraha and Atsbaha, Kaleb, and Lalibela.
Church Architecture
There have been curved out many famous churches from granite monolithic stones where religious services are conducted. Among these are the eleven churches of St. Lalibela built in the 12th century. There are also similar churches constructed before and after Lalibela constructed his eleven churches. These unique churches are among the major tourist attractions in Ethiopia.
Literature
There were many church books which were translated from foreign languages into Geez. But there were also a number of locally written books particularly in the 15th century during the reign of Emperor Zera Yacob (1434-1468).
Years of Martyrdom
Christianity was accepted in Ethiopia without blood shade. However, different period of the Ethiopia’s history has witnessed martyrdom among the followers of her Church and the clergy. Major events in this regard where the reign of Queen Yodit in the 9th century which saw the destruction of not only the Christian Axumite Kingdom but all those which were Christian: Churches, Christian relics and the lay as well as the clergy; the catastrophic destruction of churches, humans and property by Ahmed Grange (Ahmed the Left handed) in the 16th century; the carnage among the Christians during the reign of emperor Susnios in the 17th century; as a consequence of the invasion of the Dervish whose marks are still present in Gondar in the 19th century; during the Italian invasion and during the rule of the Marxist regime of the Durge in the 20th century.
The Positive Relationships between Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church and the Coptic Orthodox Church
Even though Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia in the first century A.D. by the Ethiopian Eunuch who came back to his country after being baptized by St. Philip in Jerusalem, the foundation of the current church was laid in the 4th century by St. Frumentius, the first Ethiopian Bishop. St. Frumentius was consecrated as Bishop of Ethiopia by St. Athanasius, the 20th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark.
As a result the followers of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church highly regard and appreciate the Coptic Orthodox church for its contribution for the establishment of their Church. To show their affinity towards this Church Ethiopian have been calling the Coptic Orthodox church “A Mother Church.” To preside over and bless the followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, the Coptic Orthodox Church had sent bishops for 1600 years until the 20th century since St. Frumentius. Later on with the blessings of the Coptic Orthodox Church Holy Synod, Ethiopian nationals were consecrated as bishops, archbishops and eventually the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church Patriarch was consecrated to take responsibility for the leadership of Church.
As it is recorded in history Ethiopia started asking the blessings and permission of the Coptic Orthodox Church to have her own bishops and Patriarch appointed during the reign of the Saint Emperor Harbe (1117-1157). But the positive response to this age old request happened during the reigns of Empress Zewditu and Emperor Haile Selassie I in the 20 Century.
In 1921 EC His Holiness Pope John 19th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, consecrated five Ethiopian Bishops. During His visit a year later to Ethiopia the Pope consecrated one additional Ethiopian Bishop. There were also other bishops who were appointed in the following years. In 1943 EC His Holiness Pope Yosab, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, consecrated Abuna Basilios arch Bishop, and in 1951 His Holiness Pope Cyril 6th consecrated His Holiness Abuna Basilios the first Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido church. Since then Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church has been under the leadership of Ethiopian Bishops, Archbishops and Patriarch. Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church appreciates and values highly to have received her leadership from the See of St. Mark.
Thus, the ties between the Coptic Orthodox Church and Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido church are historical and very close.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church Today
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church is providing its religious and social services locally and world wide. Her Patriarch to day is His Holiness Abuna Paulos Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church, Archbishop of Axum, and Echegeue of the See of St. Tekle Haimanot. His Holiness is also serving as the President of the World council of Churches and Honorary President of World Religions for Peace. His Holiness Abuna Paulos is advancing the progress of the Church in its religious and social activities.
Currently Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church has 55 million followers, 44 dioceses, 60 archbishops and Bishops; 500,000 clergy, over 1000 monasteries and convents; and 50,000 Churches.
It continues growing including among Ethiopians in Diaspora in European countries: Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, Austria, and Rome; and in the middle East; in Kenya, South Africa, and Sudan in Africa; in the United States of America, Canada, and in the Carabian Islands. There are also seven monasteries in the Holy Land of Jerusalem.
It has her own printing press and a publishing house. It publishes monthly news paper and monthly publications. It also has a strong Sunday School Movement which also publishes its own newspapers and magazines to teach the youth about their religion, history, Christian culture and tradition.
Schools
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church has traditional schools which date back to the ancient days at each church and monastery teaching different subjects: the Holy Bible, Geez poetry, and church songs, among many other subjects at different levels.
There are three modern theological colleges offering five year and four year degree and diploma programs respectively. There are also seven clergy training centers offering short term courses to up grade the level of the clergy on active duty. In addition, it has 23 child care centers where over 6,000 boys and girls are growing and educated for their future.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church has 14 Anaphoras which are used for different occasions in the Church service. These Anaphoras were used only in Amharic and Geez languages for the liturgical service whereas currently they have been recently translated into Tigringa and Oromingaa for the same purpose.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido church has been an outgrowth of the Old Testament tradition. Its services reflect vividly this tradition. Prayer sticks, drums and cestrums, are used during prayer services. Most traditional church buildings are circular and octagonal.
The Church is a founding member of the World Council of Churches, and the All Africa Council of churches.
Calendar
Ethiopia has her own calendar based on the counting of our church which has difference of seven and eight in leap years respectively from the European Calendar.
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido church has been celebrating the end of her second Millennium jointly with the Federal Government of Ethiopia since September 2007. The Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox church Patriarchs, Archbishops and Bishops Participated in the celebration of the Millennium festival upon the invitation of the church. There was also held a symposium in the presence of these church leaders at ECA New Assembly Hall in Addis Ababa. The Millennium Festival was held on the occasion of the Annual Mesquel day Celebration which commemorates the Day of the Founding of the True Cross which made the day even more colorful than all the celebrations of the past years.
His Holiness Abuna Paulos had paid an official visit to the Coptic Orthodox Church accompanied by Archbishops on the Eve of the Millennium Festival in July 2007 upon the invitation of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of the See of St. Mark.
Currently His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, is on a return official visit to Ethiopia on the invitation of His Holiness Abuna Paulos. The welcome of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido church accorded to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III shows the Historical and warm relationships that the followers of our Church and its leadership feel towards the Coptic Orthodox church.
The visit of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III to Ethiopia is the result of the desire and effort of the leadership of the two sisterly Oriental Orthodox Churches to restore and continue their long established historical relationship. We believe this relationship will grow even closer so that they can cooperate to meet the challenges of our time.
The Ethiopian Orthodox church, greatly appreciates the contribution made by H.H Aram Keshishian Catholicos of Cilicia, Armenian Catholicosate to the renewal of the two Church’s relation.
source: The Long Standing Historical Tie Between The Coptic Orthodox Church and Ethiopia Orthodox Tewahedo Cherch
April 2008
May God Bless us. Amen!!
