✥ ☞  About the Faith

A Living Ancient Christian Tradition
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. Since the 4th century, it has preserved a unique blend of biblical teaching, ancient liturgy, and Ethiopian cultural identity. Our mission is to help people understand this beautiful and sacred tradition.

✥ ☞  What We Believe

Tewahedo: “Being Made One”
Our core belief is that Jesus Christ has one united nature, fully divine and fully human. This miaphysite understanding places the Church within the Oriental Orthodox family.
Key Beliefs Highlight:
• One united nature of Christ
• Apostolic tradition
• Ancient liturgy in Geʽez
• Scripture and fasting as foundations of spiritual life

✥ ☞  History & Origins

Christianity in Ethiopia Since the 4th Century
• Christianity introduced under King Ezana of Aksum
• Frumentius (Abba Selama) became the first bishop
• The Church developed independently, preserving ancient traditions
• Geʽez remains the liturgical language

✥ ☞  Scriptures & Canon

One of the Most Extensive Biblical Canons in Christianity
The Ethiopian Orthodox Bible includes books such as:
• The Book of Enoch
• The Book of Jubilees
• The Shepherd of Hermas
• The Didascalia
This rich canon reflects Ethiopia’s deep Judeo‑Christian heritage.

✥ ☞  Worship & Spiritual Life

Sacred, Symbolic, and Rooted in Tradition
• Ancient chants from Saint Yared
• Incense, drums, and sistra in worship
• Over 180 fasting days each year
• Every church contains a Tabot, a replica of the Ark of the Covenant

✥ ☞  Major Festivals

Celebrations of Faith and Community
• Timkat – Baptism of Christ
• Meskel – Finding of the True Cross
• Genna – Ethiopian Christmas
• Fasika – Easter

✥ ☞  Unique Traditions

A Faith Rich in Culture and Spiritual Depth
• Old Testament‑inspired practices
• Circumcision as a cultural and religious norm
• Strong monastic tradition
• Distinct Ethiopian iconography
• Sacred music and dance

✥ ☞ The Church Today

A Global and Growing Community
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has tens of millions of followers in Ethiopia and around the world. It remains a spiritual home for the global Ethiopian diaspora.