IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD AMEN!

     Book Review

Decon Ephrem Wubet

The Correct Ethiopian Computes

Title: "Tekekilegnaw ye Ethiopia Zemen Akotater" (written in Amharic)

Author: Hiruy Simie

Date of publication: Nehase (July) 2000 E.C.

Price: 22 Birr

The book is available in the following book shops: AAU both 4 kilo and 6 kilo campus, Universal book shop, Book world, Mehabere Kidusan shops, Readers, Admas, Tad, Blue Nile, Knowledge door, Eden, Royal, Master, African, Royal, Washera, Ashenafi, Ambasader area, etc…

Review

How many of us (Ethiopians) know that our calendar is the only correct year reckoning that starts from the birth of our lord Jesus Christ? The obvious answer of course would be very few! That is why the BBC broadcasted live on Meskerem 1, 2000 E.C. saying the Ethiopian calendar is derived from Julian and is not correct! However, the book mentioned above has put critical evidences with a reputation of world acceptance that proves that to day is exactly 2000 years in the year of Mercy since the birth of our lord. This wonderful computes which is found in our possession must be held in reverence and respect. Any body who has read the book will come to this conclusion.

"Tekekilgnaew ye Ethiopian Zemen Akotater" deals in its first chapters about the meaning of computes and also explains the different kinds employed all over the world. It also explains how the Christian computes came about and the relation we have with Coptic Egypt.

Hiruy Simie, i.e. the author has placed four major evidences that prove the accurate nature of the Ethiopian calendar. The first one is the western calendar's assumption of the death of Herod (which is 4 B.C.) and the book shows up on this fact theological and biblical interpretations and teachings on the Christian era that indicates the addition of eight years on the real year of birth to the Lord.

The Second evidence that proves our calendar as being correct, than the Gregorian is, found in the writings of Flavius Josephus. The famous book of Josephus, namely the wars of the Jews; gives us the correct date of the birth of Christ and fits well with the stories of St. Luke found in his Gospel.  

The third is found in the book of St. Eusebius i.e. Ecclesiastical History. In this book there is a well documented passage related with Christ that serves as the building block to reconstruct the date of His birth. This part well expounded in the "Tekekilgnaew ye Ethiopian Zemen Akotater" gives us a chance for interesting readings.

Finally, the author has tried to show how the biblical evidence that gives us indications on the year of the birth of Christ in the writings of St. Mathew and the sage Gamaliel complements with historical facts (Acts of the Apostles 6:34).

This book further puts intellectual criticisms on the objectives of millennium celebrations and also gives directions on how to achieve national development in the years to come. The message of the book is a patriotic plea for Ethiopians to understand the values of their priceless historical and cultural heritage under their possessions and inherit this to our children and the young generation in general. Therefore, this book is worth reading and all its effort. It is available in almost all major book stores in Addis and will be informative, educative, patriotic and enjoyable to read.   

 Glory to God and his mother holy Mary Amen

May God Bless us. Amen!!