Clipped Notes
The introduction of Christianity into Ethiopia dates back to the apostolic era. The book of Acts, chapter 8:27 – 38, tell us that Saint Philip, the Apostle baptized the Ethiopian Eunuch – treasure of Candace Queen of Ethiopia. When he returned to Ethiopia, he spread the good news of the Gospel. When Christianity was accepted as a state religion during the reign of Ezana, the Axumite king of Ethiopia in the 4th century, there was no resistance and bloodshed as happened in some other countries; they were welcomed. These Saints established schools and monastic orders which still exist. They also translated the Testament from Greek, Hebrew and Syrian into Ge’ez language, which the church still uses.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has remained at the very heart of the Ethiopian civilization, history, religion and culture from the time of its establishment. It has been the creator of religious arts, crafts and literature as well as secular and theological institutions and their curricular. The country owns even its calendar to the church.
Ethiopia has a long and proud history of hospitality. Traditionally, as Ethiopian does not boast of his home as the saying goes, ‘a home is for a guest’. This kind of treatment was awarded to every guest regardless of religion, colour, sex, and race. Once a stranger arrives in a village, he/she is treated like a true friend almost by everyone.
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