The Ethiopian Orthodox Church
Christianity arrived in Ethiopia in the early fourth century AD, when the Aksumite king Ezana converted. Aside from this early date, Ethiopian Christianity also stands out for its strong links with Judaism. It is believed that a portion of the Highlands had been Judaic before converting to Christianity. Perhaps as a result of this earlier history, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church incorporated Judaic elements such as the way in which animals were killed and the timing of naming children (forty days after birth for boys, eighty days after birth for girls).
Another well-known link between the two faiths is the presence of a replica of the Ark of the Covenant in each church. This replica, known as a tabot, is placed in the holiest of holies in the church. Only the priests are allowed to see and handle them.
During the ceremony of Timkat, or Epiphany, these tabots are taken outside the church to be blessed, after which it is returned to the church. Next to Timkat, another important Christian holiday is Meskal, a celebration of the finding of the true cross by Empress Eleni. The focus of this celebration is a huge bonfire topped with an image of a cross.
While the Ethiopian Orthodox Church maintains close relations with other Orthodox churches, in particular the Egyptian Orthodox Church, or Coptic Church, it also has its own Patriarch, H.H. Abune Paulos.
![]()
|
