The Old Testament Figures and Ethiopian
King Solomon’s wisdom is believed to have impacted Ethiopian culture through his connection to this queen.
Who is the Queen of Sheba?
Quote: “The queen of Sheba came to test Solomon with hard questions.” 1 Kings 10:1
This prophet called for justice and mentioned the people of Cush, which is associated with Ethiopia.
HINT: Amos 9:7
Who is Amos?
Quote: “Are you not like the people of Cush to me, O people of Israel?” – Amos 9:7
After reading the book of Isaiah, the disciples of Jesus Christ Philip baptized this Ethiopian official.
HINT: Acts 8:31
Who is the Ethiopian eunuch?
Quote: “And he said, ‘How can I understand unless someone guides me?’” Acts 8:31
What makes the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Holy Bible unique?
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has 81 books in its canon, which is larger than most other Christian traditions.
It stands apart with 66 books, including additional texts like Enoch, Jubilees, and Psalm 151, offering a more extensive view of biblical history and theology.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebrates the birth of Jesus on this day, which differs from the Western Christmas.
Answer: What is Genna (Ethiopian Christmas), celebrated on January 7th?
Reference: The feast of the Nativity is celebrated on 29 Tahsas in the Ethiopian calendar, corresponding to January 7th in the Gregorian calendar.
Quote: “Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea.” Matthew 2:1
The area in front of the altar, where priests serve during the liturgy.
What is the sanctuary?
This sacrament is given to people who are sick or suffering, where holy oil is applied for healing and spiritual strength.
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Answer: What is Unction ?
Reference: Unction is the sacrament for healing, where the sick are anointed with holy oil for spiritual and physical restoration (James 5:14-15).
The prophet Isaiah refers to Ethiopia bringing gifts to God, which is symbolizing reverence and dedication to whom?
Answer: What is Isaiah? Isaiah 18:7
The tradition of associating the three wise men with kings comes from a reference in Isaiah 60 and Psalm 72. In Psalm 72:10, it says, "May the kings of Sheba bring gifts!". Scholars believe that Matthew's account of the wise men from the east alludes to Psalm 72 and Isaiah 60. This led to the tradition that the wise men were kings, not just counselors or advisers.
The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that the three wise men brought to Jesus illuminate different aspects of Christ's identity
This major prophet, who saw the Lord in a vision, spoke of Ethiopia’s future in his prophecies.
HINT: Isaiah 18:1
Who is Isaiah?
Quote: “The land beyond the rivers of Cush, which sends envoys by sea...” Isaiah 18:1
The book of Acts describes the Ethiopian eunuch’s story as a sign of Christianity spreading to distant lands. What message does this carry?
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What is the spread of the gospel?
Here are some other details about the story in Acts 8:
Acts 8:39 describes the miraculous departure of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch after baptism, and the eunuch's joyful response:
Reference: Acts 8:26-39
Known as the “Patron Saint of Ethiopian Music,” this saint revolutionized the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church’s spiritual music traditions.
Answer: Who is Saint Yared?
Reference: Saint Yared’s innovations in church music, including the creation of various hymnal forms, have had a profound influence on Ethiopian Orthodox liturgical practices.
He is known as the father of Ethiopian Christianity and translated the Bible into Ge’ez. HINT: Frem....
Who is St. Abba Salama (Frumentius)?
The color priests wear on major feast days like Genna.
What is white?
This sacrament involves the priest offering prayers of absolution to forgive sins committed after baptism.
Answer: What is Penance (Confession)?
Reference: Penance is the sacrament where a person confesses their sins to a priest and receives absolution, restoring their relationship with God (John 20:22-23).
After speaking against Moses for marrying an Ethiopian woman, this person was struck with leprosy as punishment. HINT: Numbers 12:9-10
Who is Miriam? Moses Sister
Quote: “The anger of the Lord burned against them, and she became leprous, as white as snow.”
Numbers 12:9-10
This Psalm includes the line, “Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God,” symbolizing Ethiopia’s acceptance of God. HINT: Psalms 68:31
Quote: “Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.” Psalms 68:31
King David (from Psalms)?
The Ethiopian eunuch’s baptism represents the early acceptance of Christianity on which continent?
What is Africa?
Reference: Acts 8:26-39
Which extra books are not in most other Bibles?
The Ethiopian Orthodox canon includes Enoch, Jubilees, 1 and 2 Meqabyan, and the Prayer of Manasseh, which are absent in most Christian Bibles but hold great theological and historical value.
The holiday commemorates the finding of the True Cross.
What is Meskel?
Who is the person who carries the cross during a kidassie (liturgy) procession?
What is the deacon?
This sacrament is performed after baptism, where a person is anointed with holy oil to receive the Holy Spirit.
Answer: What is Chrismation (Miron)?
Reference: Chrismation is the sacrament of anointing with holy oil to strengthen the newly baptized in the faith (Acts 8:17).
The Ark of the Covenant, believed to be brought to Ethiopia, contained these sacred items from Moses’ time.
What are the tablets of the Ten Commandments?
Quote: “There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat... I will speak with you.” – Exodus 25:22
This prophet asked, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?” to emphasize the difficulty of changing one’s inherent nature.
Answer: Who is Jeremiah? Reference: Jeremiah 13:23
Why does our Lord Jesus Christ call the Queen of Sheba, (who was Ethiopian,) the “Queen of the South” in Matthew 12:42, and what can this teach us about Ethiopia’s role in the Bible and its connection to wisdom and faith?
The Queen of Sheba, often associated with Ethiopia, traveled far to seek King Solomon’s wisdom. This story shows the importance of seeking knowledge and faith and how Ethiopia has a special place in biblical history.
Which passage in the book of Acts mentions the Book of Baruch, and what historical context does it provide?
Book of Baruch: Acts 13:13-14 refers to the context surrounding the prophet Baruch, who was associated with the period of the Babylonian exile, helping to understand Jewish history and prophecy.
This saint is known for defeating a dragon and is celebrated in Ethiopia, especially on his feast day.
Answer: Who is Saint George (Giorgis)?
Reference: The life of Saint George, who is revered in Ethiopia, is celebrated on 23 Yekatit (February 9th in the Gregorian calendar).
This sacred meal, commemorating Jesus’s Last Supper, is celebrated with bread and wine in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Answer: What is the Eucharist (Holy Communion)?
Reference: Matthew 26:26-28.
This sacrament involves a priest laying his hands on a person, giving them authority and responsibility in the Church.
Answer: What is Ordination?
Reference: Ordination is the sacrament through which a person is set apart for sacred service in the Church, whether as a deacon, priest, or bishop (Acts 6:6).
This prophet describes a land “beyond the rivers of Ethiopia” and refers to Ethiopians as powerful and tall people. HINT: Isaiah 18:1-2, 7
Answer: Who is Isaiah? Reference: Isaiah 18:1-2, 7
Who was the MINOR prophet who was likely of Ethiopian descent? He warned of judgment against many nations, including this one near Israel.
Zephaniah who is Cush (Ethiopia)?
Quote: “You Cushites, too, will be slain by my sword.” – Zephaniah 2:12
In the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, the Three Magi (or Wise Men) are referenced in both the Old and New Testaments.
1. Old Testament: The prophecy in Isaiah 60:6 mentions kings coming to worship the Lord and bring gifts, which is interpreted as a foreshadowing of the visit of the Magi.
2. New Testament: The account of the Magi’s visit is found in Matthew 2:1-12, where they follow a star to find and honor the newborn Jesus, offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church emphasizes their visit as a significant event in the celebration
The prophet who mentions Ethiopians bringing gifts to God is Isaiah. In Isaiah 18:7, it is written:
“At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty, from a people tall and smooth, from a people feared far and wide, whose land is divided by rivers—the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty.”
This passage is often interpreted as a reference to Ethiopia and its people offering gifts to God.
How does the Book of Enoch influence Christian teachings, and where is it referenced in the New Testament?
The Book of Enoch is referenced in several key parts of the Bible, notably in the New Testament. For example, Jude 1:14–15 directly quotes from the Book of Enoch, where it mentions Enoch’s prophecy about the judgment of the wicked. This highlights Enoch’s influence on early Christian thought, especially on themes of divine judgment. Additionally, references to angels and their fall in both Enoch and certain New Testament passages (like 2 Peter 2:4 and Revelation 12). The inclusion of Enoch’s writings emphasizes the importance of early Jewish traditions that shaped Christian teachings.
This Ethiopian king is believed to have converted to Christianity in the 4th century.
Who is King Ezana?
Reference: Historical record, not directly mentioned in the Bible.
Ezana (Ge'ez: ዔዛና, 'Ezana, unvocalized ዐዘነ 'zn), (Ancient Greek: Ἠεζάνα, Aezana) was the ruler of the Kingdom of Aksum (320s – c. 360 AD). One of the best-documented rulers of Aksum, Ezana is important as he is the country's first king to embrace Christianity and make it the official religion.
“Can you name the three important areas inside an Ethiopian Orthodox Church and explain what each area is used for?”
The three important areas inside an Ethiopian Orthodox Church are:
1. The Narthex - The entrance or outer area where the congregation gathers before entering the main worship space.
2. The Nave - The central area where the congregation stands or sits during services.
3. The Holy of Holies - The innermost and most sacred part, where the altar is located, reserved for clergy and priests during the Divine Liturgy.
What are the seven sacraments recognized by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church?
The Seven Sacraments:
Baptism,
Chrismation,
Holy Myron (Confirmation),
Eucharist (Holy Communion),
Confession (Penance),
Matrimony,
Priesthood (Holy Orders), and
Unction of the Sick (Anointing).
This Ethiopian official was sent by King Zedekiah to rescue the prophet Jeremiah from a muddy cistern.
HINT: Jeremiah 38:12
Who is Ebed-Melech?
Quote: “Ebed-Melech the Cushite said to Jeremiah, ‘Put these old rags and worn-out clothes under your arms to pad the ropes.’” – Jeremiah 38:12
An Ethiopian servant in the court of King Zedekiah is honored for his courage in rescuing Jeremiah. God promised him protection during Jerusalem’s fall.
HINT: Jeremiah 39:17-18
What was God’s promise to Ebed-Melech?
Quote: “I will rescue you on that day... because you have put your trust in me.” – Jeremiah 39:17-18
What role does Ethiopia play in the spread of Gospel, as mentioned in Acts 8:39?
Acts 8:39: Ethiopia's early role in spreading the Gospel to Africa and the world
Which New Testament book references the Book of Tobit, and how does it relate to almsgiving?
Book of Tobit: The Book of Tobit is referenced in Matthew 6:2-4 and Luke 11:41-42, where it speaks to the themes of almsgiving and righteousness, urging believers to give to the poor as an act of justice and mercy.
This Ethiopian queen is the mother of Emperor Constantine and is recognized for her role in finding the True Cross.
Answer: Who is Saint Helena?
Reference: “Saint Helena’s role in discovering the True Cross is an important story in Christian tradition.”
Why do we take off our shoes when entering the church, and what does the Bible say about it?
The practice of removing shoes in the church is a sign of respect and reverence, symbolizing the recognition of a holy place. This act is rooted in the Bible, particularly in Exodus 3:5, when God tells Moses to take off his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, this is seen as an acknowledgment of the sanctity of the church and a reminder of God’s presence.
How does the Ethiopian Orthodox Church view the role of sacraments in salvation and spiritual life?
Role of Sacraments: Sacraments are central to salvation, helping believers to live a holy life and grow closer to God.
God rewarded this Ethiopian official for his kindness to the prophet Jeremiah, sparing his life during Jerusalem’s fall. HINT: Jeremiah 39:18
Who is Ebed-Melech?
Quote: “I will rescue you on that day... because you have put your trust in me, declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 39:18
This Ethiopian priest, also known as Jethro, gave Moses wise advice on how to govern the Israelites, teaching him to delegate responsibilities.
HINT: Exodus 18:17-18
Who is Jethro?
Quote: “Jethro said, ‘What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out.’” – Exodus 18:17-18
Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” which is known as the HINT: Matthew 22:39
What is the Second Greatest Commandment?
Quote: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39
How many holy books do the Catholic Church, Protestant churches, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church accept?
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nswer: • The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church accepts 81 books in its Bible, including additional texts like the Book of Enoch and the Book of Jubilees.
• The Catholic Church includes 73 books, with the Apocrypha (such as Tobit and Sirach) accepted as canonical.
•Protestant churches typically accept 66 books, excluding the Apocrypha.
This saint is known as the “Patron Saint of Ethiopian Music.” This saint revolutionized the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church’s spiritual music traditions.
Answer: Who is Saint Yared?
Reference: Saint Yared’s innovations in church music, including the creation of various hymnal forms, have had a profound influence on Ethiopian Orthodox liturgical practices.
This New Testament book, written by St. Paul, includes the passage often recited during Ethiopian Orthodox weddings, “Love is patient, love is kind.”
Answer: What is 1 Corinthians?
How does baptism function in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and why is it significant?
Baptism: It cleanses sin and initiates one into the Christian faith. It is significant as it symbolizes the death and resurrection of Christ. Acts 2:38.