Middle Ages Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

late 17th century portrait of abba giyorgis baselyos

union coptic orthodox church continued after arab conquest of egypt. abu saleh records in 12th century patriarch sent letters twice year kings of abyssinia (ethiopia) , nubia, until al hakim stopped practice. cyril, 67th patriarch, sent severus bishop, orders put down polygamy , enforce observance of canonical consecration churches. these examples show close relations of 2 churches throughout middle ages.

in 1439, in reign of zara yaqob, religious discussion between abba giyorgis , french visitor led dispatch of embassy ethiopia vatican.