Origins Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

ethiopian orthodox icon depicting st. george, crucifixion, , virgin mary

many traditions claim christian teachings introduced region after pentecost. john chrysostom speaks of ethiopians present in jerusalem being able understand preaching of saint peter in acts, 2:38. possible missions of of apostles in lands called ethiopia reported 4th century. socrates of constantinople includes ethiopia in list 1 of regions preached matthew apostle, specific mention of ethiopia south of caspian sea can confirmed in traditions such roman catholic church among others. ethiopian church tradition tells bartholomew accompanied matthew in mission lasted @ least 3 months. paintings depicting these missions available in church of st. matthew found in province of pisa, in northern italy portrayed francesco trevisan (it) (1650-1740) , marco benefial (1688-1764).

the earliest account of ethiopian converted faith in new testament books royal official baptized philip evangelist (distinct philip apostle), 1 of 7 deacons (acts, 8:26–27):

then angel of lord said philip, start out , go south road leads down jerusalem gaza. set out , on way when caught sight of ethiopian. man eunuch, high official of kandake (candace) queen of ethiopia in charge of treasure. (acts, 8:26–27)

holy trinity cathedral, addis ababa

the passage continues describing how philip helped ethiopian treasurer understand passage book of isaiah ethiopian reading. after philip interpreted passage prophecy referring jesus christ, ethiopian requested philip baptize him, , philip did so. ethiopic version of verse reads hendeke (ህንደኬ); queen gersamot hendeke vii queen of ethiopia c. 42 52. possibility of gospel missions ethiopian eunuch cannot directly inferred books of new testament, irenaeus of lyons around 180 ad writes simon backos preached news in homeland outlining theme of preaching being coming in flesh of 1 god preached before. same kind of witness shared 3rd , 4th century writers such eusebius of caesarea , origen of alexandria.

coin of king ezana, under whom oriental orthodox christianity became established church of kingdom of aksum

oriental orthodox christianity became established church of ethiopian axumite kingdom under king ezana in 4th century when priesthood , sacraments brought first time through syrian greek named frumentius, known local population in ethiopia abba selama, kesaté birhan ( father of peace, revealer of light ). youth, frumentius had been shipwrecked brother aedesius on eritrean coast. brothers managed brought royal court, rose positions of influence , baptized emperor ezana.

ezana sent frumentius alexandria ask patriarch, st. athanasius, appoint bishop ethiopia. athanasius appointed frumentius, returned ethiopia bishop name of abune selama. on, until 1959, pope of alexandria, patriarch of africa, named egyptian (a copt) abuna or archbishop of ethiopian church.