Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church History
This legendary queen of Ethiopia is said to have visited King Solomon, bringing back the Ark of the Covenant.
Who is the Queen of Sheba?
The primary liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
What is Ge'ez?
The number of canonical prayer times observed daily by devout Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.
What are seven?
This major feast, celebrated on January 19th (or 20th in a leap year), commemorates the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.
What is Timkat (Epiphany)?
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church adheres to this Christological doctrine, emphasizing the single, united nature of Christ.
What is Miaphysitism?
The conversion of this Ethiopian eunuch, mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, is often cited as the earliest connection of Ethiopia to Christianity.
Who is the Ethiopian eunuch?
This sacred object, housed in every Ethiopian Orthodox altar, is considered a replica of the Ark of the Covenant and is essential for consecration.
What is the Tabot?
This type of prayer involves prostrations and is a common part of daily devotions.
What is prostration (or Sigdet)?
Meaning "Epiphany" in Ge'ez, this vibrant festival involves reenactments of the Baptism and processional crosses.
What is Timket?
This council, held in 451 AD, is significant because the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, along with other Oriental Orthodox churches, did not accept its findings.
What is the Council of Chalcedon?
These two Syrian brothers are credited with introducing Christianity to Ethiopia in the 4th century, leading to its official adoption.
Who are Frumentius (Abune Selama) and Aedesius?
The Ethiopian Orthodox divine liturgy is often referred to by this name, meaning" Anaphora" or "Offering."
What is the Kidase?
The longest and most stringent fasting period, lasting 55 days, before Easter.
What is Lent (Abiy Tsom)?
This most important feast day, marking the resurrection of Jesus, is celebrated after the longest fast.
What is Fasika (Easter)?
The belief in the "two natures" of Christ, unconfused, unchanged, undivided, inseparable, is characteristic of this theological viewpoint.
What is Miaphysitism?
This king made Christianity the official state religion of Axum in the 4th century.
Who is King Ezana?
During worship, priests often use these processional crosses, which are intricately designed and symbolic.
What are Hand Crosses (or processional crosses)?
During fasting periods, what is the primary dietary restriction concerning animal products?
What is abstaining from meat, dairy, and eggs?
The Ethiopian New Year, celebrated on September 11th (or 12th in a leap year), is known by this name.
What is Enkutatash?
This holy book, central to Ethiopian Orthodox theology, contains the Old and New Testaments, along with additional books.
What is the Kebra Nagast (Glory of Kings) or the Ethiopian Orthodox Bible?
This period, roughly from the 12th to the 16th century, is considered a golden age for Ethiopian Orthodox literature and church building.
What is the Solomonic Dynasty period?
The faithful stand for much of the long services, often leaning on these long prayer sticks.
What are prayer staffs (or T-sticks)?
Besides food, what other common activities are restricted during stringent fasting periods?
What are marital relations and entertainment?
This feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena.
What is Meskel?
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church affirms the procession of the Holy Spirit from this source only.
What is the Father (Filioque clause rejected)?