Ethiopian Kingdom
The Kingdom of Ethiopia as a whole may be divided into three distinct periods the Adamic known as prehistoric Ethiopia, the Cushite Kingdom ruled from Aksum and the Solomonic Dynasty which began in the Time of Queen Makeda of Tigre 1000 B.C (Queen of Sheba). The Ancient Ethiopian Chronologies say Aram os Ori the 35th son of Adam ascended the throne of Ethiopia in the year of the world 970 which is 4470 B.C and that twenty-one Kings had ascended the throne before the Flood. There is another more accurate record of the long list of Kings according to Ethiopian Historians, that was probably more accurate than the Ancient Ethiopian Chronicles but it was carried to Egypt when the Ethiopian Kings ruled that country and was Gondar destroyed when their power was overthrown.
The Ethiopians were the founders of the Egyptian Kingdom and were the most powerful people of the Ancient World. Braughton’s History Of Ancient People states that “…According to progressive theory the earth may have been first peopled by men black in colour, if so, the Blacks reached their climax in Ancient times, however, how much Egypt, India and Southern Europe owe to them may never be known.” Further he states, “…Of the fifteen thousand years of the world existence nine thousand were spent under Black Domination.” The Adamic Dynasty lasted until the Flood and was succeeded by the Hamitic Period or the Cushite Kingdom.
Origins of Civilization
Who was the Cushite? According to the Bible (Genesis 5:32, 10:1-32), "...Noah had three sons, Ham, Shem and Japheth. The sons of Ham were Cush, Mizraim, Phut and Canaan. The sons of Cush were Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Ra-amah, Sheba and Nimrod. Cush begat Nimrod who began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; wherefore it is said, even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord." This Hamitic Dynasty had its beginning about 2635 B.C. The Direct Line of the Hamitic Dynasty lasted 650 years and 25 Kings are said to have reigned in succession during that period. So where was the origin of civilization? Historians found it impossible to locate the original seat of the Cushite Kingdom. Some say it was Africa some say it was Upper Nile and some say it was Asia. The Bible says “…. the beginning of the Kingdom of Nimrod the son of Cush was in Babel (Babylon – modern day Iraq) and Erech and Accad and Calneh in the land of Shinar”.
Ethiopian tradition has recorded that the Cushite Empire was established in the valley of the Nile. Meroe and Thebes are called ancient Ethiopian cities. According to the Ancient Ethiopian Tradition, these cities were conquered by Aksumewi the son of Ethiopia whose Kingdom was at Aksum. The exact date of this is not clear. Rawlinson’s Ancient Monarchies Vol. 1 page 9 states that “…Mizraim and Nimrod both descendants of Ham led the way and acted as pioneers of mankind in various fields of art, science and literature, --- Alphabetical writings, Astronomy, History, Chronology, Architecture, Navigation, Agriculture and Textile industries seem to have had their origin in one of these countries (Egypt-Mizraim/Babylon-Nimrod).”
Bunsen in his Philosophy of Ancient History on page 59 states “…Hamitic Family must be given the credit for being the fountain-head of civilization. This family compromised the ancient Ethiopians, The Egyptians, The Original Canaanites and the Old Chaldeans.”
It was said that Mizraim peopled Egypt and Canaan, the land that was later possessed by the Hebrews. Phut extended his colonies over a wide domain, Southern Asia, southern-eastern coasts of Arabia and South Africa were colonies of the Cushite Empire. Persia, Jusiana, Media, Aria and the whole territory between the Indus and Tigris was under the Cushite Kingdom. In Africa, the Ethiopians, the Egyptians, the Libyans, the Canaanites and Phoenicians were all descendants of Ham the Black Man. They were the pioneers of today’s civilization and culture. (Mandefro, p.6)
Worship
The Ethiopians were the first peoples' that lived on earth, direct descendants of King Adam himself. They were also the ones who instituted worship of The Creator and the Gods and the rites of sacrifice. They were further the objects of worship by the nations that appear civilized at the dawn of History (i.e. – India, Greece, Rome, Persia etc.). Baldwin in his Prehistoric nation states “…The foundations of ancient religious mythology, institutions and customs all had the same source.” He considered the Chaldean and Egyptian civilizations as very old but the cultural and political organization of Ethiopia was much older. According to the writer’s testimony, "...Asia did not originate civilization; it brings civilization – from the Eritrean Sea."
His Majesty Haile Selassie First with Children The Egyptian Coptic Church, which today appears to be the Mother Church, derived its civilization and religion from Ethiopia. The country itself was a colony of Ethiopia. Geographically speaking at the beginning of the world Egypt was not a part of the continent but a sea. Later it was formed and made land from the mud carried down from Ethiopia by the river Nile. Ancient historical books of Sanskrit in India states that civilization came to India from Ethiopia before Egypt, and these ancient books mention the names of old Cushite Kings that were worshipped in India. Indranikos (Indrana) was called god of the Hindu and King of Ethiopia. After him, Deva and Nahusha (Nahusanay) are mentioned. The nations of the Ancient East looked for a second Adam. They expected him to come from Ethiopia or of an Ethiopian lineage. David in his book of Psalms 87:4 says “…I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me; behold Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia; this man was born there.” Daniel 7:9 speak of him as “the Ancient of Days and the hair on his head was like pure wool”. Even the ancient Greeks knew Homer sung his Iliad “ Jove to the Solemn Banquet gone, Beyond the sea, on Ethiopia’s shore; He thought it not disdain to grace, And dined with Ethiopia’s blameless race.” Whether in the name Jehovah, Jupiter, Jove or Eyesus the nations of the Ancient expected the coming Messiah.
The Ethiopian Line of Christ, the Ancestors of Eyesus Kristos were of the Ethiopian Race. Josephus states “ …Canaan the fourth son of Ham settled the country now called Judea and called it from his name Canaan and that Ragmus the son of Cannan had two sons one of which was Judadas and his descendants were called Judadean”. They were a nation of western Ethiopians. The name Judadean in short is Judeans or Jews. The Hamitic and Semites were one and the same people the Jews were a direct branch of the Ethiopian Race. King Solomon was a black man; he was the son of David by a Canaanitish woman. He speaks of himself in the Songs of Solomon: “I am black but comely O ye daughter of Jerusalem, Look not upon because I am black, because the Sun has looked upon me.”(Songs of Solomon 5:6). From the direct lineage of David comes the Christ the second Adam a Black man and Messiah.
Some of the Ethiopian Pharaohs who ruled over Egypt
In the beginning of the brilliant era of the Egyptians, in the 4th Dynasty was the true Ethiopian Pharaoh Khufu, builder of the great Pyramid and the temple of Isis.
(Baldwin, Prehistoric Nation). Amenemhet I who established the Twelfth Dynasty is also mentioned as a great Ethiopian leader of the Middle Kingdom. It was said that Theban glory began during this Monarch’s reign. After him Amenemhat II, Usrtesen I, and Amenenhet III were Ethiopian Pharaohs. In Dynasty XVIII (1575- 1562 B.C) Thothmes I was an outstanding King. He was the first of a long line of conquering Pharaohs. After him Thothmes III is mentioned. During his 54-year reign Egypt became the center of Trade and Commerce. Thothmes III’s domain extended over Syria, Mesopotamia, Arabia, Armenia, Nubia etc. he was a builder. Under his son’s leadership Amenhotep II, the Egyptians captured Nineveh. Then Amenhotep III and Amennophis IV are mentioned this was Dynasty XIX (1400-1280 B.C). Other Ethiopian Pharaohs of this Dynasty are listed Ramses I and Seti I, who restored the waning glory of Egypt and Ramses II who reigned 67 years. He had 59 sons and 60 daughters. The Ethiopian Tradition also mentions Sabaco and Tirhakal at this dynasty. In 800 B.C Pianki made Thebes a simple province and the ruling power was at Aksum. It was during Tarkaka’s reign that Egypt was conquered by the Assyrians. In 660 B.C Psammeticus of Libyan origin opened the door to foreigners especially the Greek. Then Egypt became the victim of Persian Conquerors. By 332 B.C Alexander the Great visited the country. Amongst the Thirty mainly Ethiopian Dynasties of Egypt the fourth, Twelfth and Eighteenth Dynasties were the great Periods of Ethiopian Pharaohs.
Makeda - The Queen of Sheba
The worship of the True God was officially introduced during the reign of Makeda. It was during her reign the Solomonic Dynasty was established in Ethiopia and Ethiopia became the true spiritual Kingdom of Israel in 1000 B.C. This was an additional blessing to the already blessed Fatherland of Ethiopia.
In the northern part of Ethiopia, a thousand years before Christ, Makeda, the young virgin queen, lived in the Virgin Land (Ethiopia). The capital of her kingdom was Axum. A very powerful queen, she reigned over parts of Southern Arabia in Sabaea (Sheba) and because of this was titled Queen of Axum and Sheba.
Born in Tigre Province, the daughter of very wealthy parents, who were descended from a very powerful race, Makeda had the privilege of an education. She was trained in and acquired a formidable knowledge of natural history, music and astronomy. Her knowledge of the world was vast. One of her most famous achievements was her difficult journey to the land of Israel in search of wisdom and righteousness proving the Wisdom of Solomon. A peculiar woman, she had all her life been interested in questioning the mysteries of life and was versed in the rituals of the Temple. “ When she heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions” (1 Kings 10:1). (Yesehaq, 4)
Makeda Hears of the Wisdom of Solomon
During Makeda’s reign Ethiopia was famous for her vast export/import trade with nations throughout the known world. Ethiopia’s chief exports were gold and silver, which were handled by Ethiopian merchants particularly in the Kingdom of Axum. One the best known merchants was Tamrin, a man of high qualifications who handled the queen's transactions. At that time King Solomon of Jerusalem was building the Temple of God and his navy was navigating the Red Sea coast in search of gold in Ophir and wood for the pillars of the Temple and for his own palace.
Solomon heard about Tamrin and enlisted him along with other merchants, and Tamrin brought to Jerusalem gold, precious stones and Blackwood from Ethiopia. Upon his return to Ethiopia Tamrin gave an account of what he saw to the queen. He reported how he saw the construction of the Temple of the Ark of the Covenant of God and that King Solomon was the “ richest King on earth, who ruled with the wisdom of a sage.” The queen, extremely amazed at Tamrin’s report about King Solomon, decided to take the long strenuous journey to Jerusalem to see King Solomon. (Yesehaq, 5)
Makeda Finds Wisdom and Light
The queen of Sheba traveled more than one thousand miles to seek wisdom by inquiring in the King Solomon’s wisdom. She states in her memoirs “ For I desire wisdom and my heart seeketh to find understanding…. I will seek after wisdom and she shall protect me forever….” Her Journey to Jerusalem was a symbol of great faith and so Our Lord and Saviour Eyesus Kristos spoke of her to the generation that existed during His Time. That generation was described as “an evil and adulterous generation that seeketh after a sign” (Matt. 12:39). They were a generation that would not believe in God unless a sign was shown them. Being therefore angered by their unbelief, Our Lord said; “ The Queen of the South shall rise up in the judgment with this generation and shall condemn it; for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold a greater than Solomon is here”. Makeda traveled to Jerusalem making several stops along the way including Sabaea, (Sheba) her subjects the Sabeans greeted her and expressed their love with singing and great homage. It was a grand opportunity for the people to have seen their Monarch for the first time. Upon arrival in Jerusalem thousands who gathered to greet her, having heard of her coming throughout Judah met her. Makeda was received by Azarias, the son of Zadok, the high priest, and by a large company of priest and noblemen. “...They wore robes broidered in gold and belts of gold about their loins, around their necks chains of gold and golden crowns on their heads.”
Upon meeting King Solomon and hearing his wisdom renounced the worship of the Sun and converted to the True God. She stayed in Jerusalem for six months King and Queen fell in love and their union produced a son Menelik I, who was born as she journeyed back to Ethiopia. She states“ …Through wisdom I have dived down into the great sea and have seized in the place of wisdom’s depth, a great pearl whereby I am rich. I went down like the great iron anchor whereby men anchor ships for the night on the high seas, and I received a lamp, which lighteth me, and I came up by the ropes of the boat of understanding. I went to sleep in the depths of the sea, and not being overwhelmed with the water I dreamed a dream. And it seemed to me that there was a star in my womb and I marveled thereat and I laid hold upon it, and it lighted me with the splendor thereof…”.
She made history as a woman responsible for a mass reformation in the history of Ethiopia, where the worship of the True God was officially established in later years when her son Menelik I, visited his father, King Solomon, and returned to Ethiopia, bringing the Ark of the Covenant, accompanied by Azarias, the son of Zadok, the high priest and all the firstborn of the house of Israel. The Falashas of Ethiopia, as well as other natives trace their descent from the people who accompanied Menelik to Ethiopia. (Yesehaq, 7)
The worship of God was then officially established and Makeda abdicated the throne and gave it to her son, Menelik I, who was crowned King of Kings. Thus began in Ethiopia the Solomonian dynasty of kings that lasted to the twentieth century. The Solomonic kingdom in Ethiopia should not be considered as the root of the Ethiopian kingdom but as an additional blessing from God, for the country had been ruled by kings for thousands of years before Menelik I came to the Throne. The removal of the Ark of the covenant was a truly historic event which is venerated greatly by Ethiopians. Today the Ark of the Covenant of God lies in the St.Mary of Zion Church in the sacred city of Axum, which is the birthplace of the Ethiopian Empire and center for Christian worship.
Introduction of Christianity into Ethiopia
The introduction of Christianity into Ethiopia took place in the beginning of the first century A.D. 34 just about four months after the death and resurrection of Christ when St. Philip baptized the Ethiopian Eunuch when he was returning from the Passover feast in Jerusalem as it is narrated in the Acts of the Apostles 8:26-39. The history of Saint Philip the Apostle baptizing the Ethiopian Eunuch is of great significance. The Eunuch was a man of high rank in Ethiopia, the finance minister of Candace, queen of Ethiopia. Upon his return he preached the doctrine of Christ among his countrymen. He was the first to bring the news, although he was not called an Apostle as he deserved.Eusebius speaks of him as the first fruit of the faithful in the whole world. Further at that time Saint Mathew the Apostle preached the Gospel to the Ethiopians he won some converts to the new doctrine and then left the country. (Yesehaq, 13)
The Eunuch baptized Queen Candace in the first century A.D and since then Ethiopia has been ruled and governed by Christians. Western historians and writers state that Ezana who reigned in Ethiopia about A.D. 320-356 was the first African King who became Christian and made Christianity the official religion of his empire. This is purosely done to make it seem that Rome was first and this would make Ethiopia Christendom’s second state after Constantine declared Rome a Christian state, but this is not so. The declaration of the doctrine of Christ by King Ezana in the fourth century was not done as a new introduction to the people but was done by the Emperor to prove himself as the true Christian leader of the nation and to make Christianity more effective throughout the nation.
Abba Selama – First Bishop of Ethiopia
The Book of the Contendings of St. Tekle Haimanot and the Fetha Negast state that in the beginning of the fourth century after Christ there came to Ethiopia a certain stranger/pilgrim to Ethiopia from Jerusalem with two young men, Frumentius and Sidrakos. They were welcomed to the home of Anbaram and were received graciously. That same night the pilgrim became ill with fever and after a few days he died. The two young men grew up in the house of Anbaram and learned the Old Testament and the custom and lifestyle of Ethiopia, including the language and traditional music. Frumentius was impressed by the devotion of the Ethiopian people to their God.
One day he said to Anbaram "My Lord, I admire the life and culture of the people. You Ethiopians practice circumcision and confess the Lord Eyesus Kristos, but you do not practice Baptism, neither do you receive communion." Anbaram replied; "Our Father the Levites, brought us circumcision and the finance minister of Queen Candace, the Eunuch, brought us the faith of Christ, yet we do not have an Apostle who can administer the rite of Baptism and the Eucharist. So would you please go to Alexandria and be consecrated for this position?" Frumentius said to him, "I will obey the words, O my Lord." Then Anbaram gave him much gold and silver for his journey and gifts for the patriarch. The Eunuch had administered the rite of Baptism and the Eucharist in the beginning of the first century after Christ but this had been discontinued after a while.
Thus the people had been left without a Christian Apostle to teach them the New Testament and to administer the Sacrament and were still offering sacrifices to God in accordance to the Law of Orit, the ancient Jewish tradition. Anbaram himself was not baptized. He was simply a priest after the order of the Judaic tradition, yet he saw the salvation of the New Testament.
Frumentius departed and came to Alexandria where he found out that The Patriarch Alexander was in Nicaea. Frumentius continued his journey and arrived at the end of the council. He met with the Patriarch and told him "There is a country which has accepted Christianity without an Apostle." In turn Alexander informed the council and was given responsibility to deal with the matter. Alexander died before he could deal with the issue and was succeeded by Athanasius. Frumentius informed Athanasius about his mission. When the new Patriarch heard the news he greatly rejoiced and immediately consecrated Frumentius and sent him back to Axum, the capital of Ethiopia. As Bishop of the Ethiopian Church Frumentius was called Abba Selama – Father of Peace.
He arrived in Axum in the days of the two brother kings Abreha (Ezana) and Asbeha (Shaiazana). Frumentius first came to Anbaram and baptized him and ordained a deacon. The following day he ordained him a priest and gave him a new name, Hezbe Kades. He commanded him to "baptize and sanctify men" and gave him authority and permission with the understanding that he would be inferior only to Frumentius and that Anbaram would be titled Bishop. From that time Anbaram was known as bishop under the jurisdiction of Abba Selama.
Upon receiving authority, Anbaram preached the Gospel Of Christ throughout the country and baptized thousands of men and women. The Book of the Saint explains further that the people of Noba (Nubia), Saba (Sabaean), Nagran, (in South Yemen south of Ethiopia), Tigre (north of Ethiopia), Angot, Amhara, Kueta, and Zaba Guedar were baptized by Anbaram.
Nine Saints
Tradition asserts that the arrival of the nine monks was during the reign of Ala-Amida IV in the fifth Century. The monks fled to Ethiopia for refuge from the decision of the two natures of Christ imposed by Pope Leo I at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 A.D. According to Ethiopian sources, they did not come as refugees but through invitation by King Ala-Amida to help organize monastic orders and schools. They made a large contribution to the church in translating books from Greek, Hebrew, Syrian, and other languages into Geez and in propagating the Gospel as well as setting up monastic orders and schools. They came from different regions of the Middle East, mostly from Constantinople (Second Rome). Some writers call them Romans for the simple reason that the Middle East was under the influence of the Roman Empire at that time. (Yesehaq, 19) All these monasteries are very active up to this date and are performing their monastic duties with the exception of the monastery of Abba Gubba, which was burned to the ground by the Muslim Ahmed Gran in the sixteenth century A.D. These nine monks have been canonized as saints.
Saint Yared
In the ancient northern capital city of Ethiopia there lived for the most part of his life one of the greatest Ethiopian saints. He was the son of pureblooded Ethiopians, Abyud (Isaac) and Christina, this saint "whom we know as Yared," is the composer of the great sacred music of the church and is without equal to this day. Yared was born about A.D 505 a son to a wealthy Christian family. When Yared was about seven years old his father died and he went to live with his Uncle Gedewon, who was at the time the gabaz (treasurer) of the Axum Tsion (Zion) Church. Yared’s uncle imparted to him a formidable knowledge of theology, natural history and music. He was an excellent student, and within a period of twenty – five years he had acquired a vast knowledge of music. After Gedewon died, Yared took over the great responsibility of replacing his uncle. He also became a professor of theology, including the Old and New Testaments. He was ordained deacon; then he married and later was ordained priest, as is customary. Yared became communicating with the nine monks. Abba Pantelewon, one of the nine remained in Axum, and thus communication between him and Yared was convenient. Yared learned much about Western traditions, customs and way of life from Abba Pantelewon. Yared composed all the music used for the Ethiopian church’s chants and developed classical musical art forms in the sixth century A.D. The music all speaks of the Creation and the prophecies and the life of Christ – His Advent, His Incarnation, Nativity, His great works and saving acts, His Baptism, Crucifixion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension, and His Second Coming. The music also reflects the national expression and Ideals of Ethiopian people. It is believed that many devoted Ethiopian churchmen used some of the songs, especially those from the Old Testament, before Christ. Therefore we must admit the existence of the art of music in Ethiopia during Old Testament times. It was one of the creative works of the African Empire notwithstanding Saint Yared must be credited for most of the music of the Ethiopian Church.
A Period Of Confrontation
Emperor Lebna DengelIn the years 1520 – 1527, during the reign of Emperor Lebna Dengel of Ethiopia, also known as Prester John in Europe, the Portuguese mission visited the country. Lebna Dengel was only twelve years old when he came to the throne. As he was a minor his grandmother whose name was Empress Eleni ruled the country. At this time, the Turks occupied all seaports of the Red Sea, including Yemen and Aden. Eleni desired to fortify Ethiopia against the Turkish menace by an alliance with a neighboring Christian power.She appealed to the king of Portugal, who then had great possessions in India. Her ambassador, Mathew, was well received and as a result the Portuguese mission arrived in Ethiopia in 1520.
Notwithstanding Emperor Lebna Dengel was not pleased with the mission. The Portuguese delegation came with a letter from the king of Portugal and various gifts also mainly politicians and churchmen including Ambassador Dom Rodrigo de Lima, Fransico Alvarez, and John Bermudez but none of military aid that the Emperor had hoped for. Their primary concern was to persuade Empress Eleni and Lebna Dengel to submit to Pope Of Rome and become catholic also to assist Portugal in the event that Portugal became involved in a war with Egypt. Lebna Dengel refused to renounce his religion but agreed to the proposal of military aid.He gave them land at Massowa with all “ the provisions and all that was necessary for this expedition.” (Yesehaq, 47)
Ahmed Gran and the Turkish Invasion
Ahmed Gran The Left HandedAbout 1528 – 1540 A.D Ahmed Gran led the Turks in a terrible battle against the Ethiopian Christians. Ahmed Gran, an Ethiopian citizen but Moslem, was born in Harrar to the South of Ethiopia. Assisted by all forces of Islam, he attacked the country from one end to the other and successfully opposed the Christians.
For over a decade the invaders pillaged the land, innumerable monasteries and churches were sacked and burned to the ground. Ancient manuscripts and 0ther works of art were stolen. In the north the ancient church of Axum was razed to the ground and in the south the famous monastery of Debre Libanos was entirely demolished.
Emperor Lebna Dengel sent John Bermudez who was still resident in Ethiopia to Portugal to ask assistance, and his request was granted. Meanwhile Bermudez falsely claimed to have been appointed Patriarch of Ethiopia by Pope Paul III and converted some Ethiopian Christians to Roman Catholicism. He landed with a force of approximately four hundred soldiers at Massowa under command of Dom Christofore de Gama in 1541.
Lebna Dengel had passed away the year before on September 2, 1540 so his widow Sable Wongel and her son Galawedos who succeeded his father received the Portuguese. (1540 – 1549)
The Ethiopians together with the Portuguese were victorious in all their battles against Gran. De Gama was killed by wounds received in battle in 1543 and shortly thereafter was avenged by a Portuguese who shot and killed Ahmed Gran. After a considerable period of time The Ethiopians and Portuguese were completely victorious.
The Jesuits And Their Offensive Mission
After the death of Ahmed Gran there was a gradual deterioration of harmony between the two types of Christians, Ethiopians and Catholics. The reason was that Bermudez insisted that Emperor Galawedos should submit himself to the Roman Pontiff. Bermudez himself wrote an account of an occasion when he tried to get the Emperor to submit to the Pope.The Jesuit Invaders On this occasion he arrived at the king’s tent and found him with his mother, Bermudez was received with much honour. He then addressed the Emperor: “ Much beloved son in Jesus Christ, you are aware of the fact that the most Christian King, your father now in glory, asked me to go to Rome, for himself and for myself to give submission to the High Pontiff; you may see here a letter signed by him which he gave me, that the high Pontiff might believe that your father recognized him as the successor of St.Peter of the Apostles of Christ – and that he considered himself subordinate to him with all his Kingdoms and lordships as were all the faithful and orthodox Christian Kings. Therefore conforming yourself with the will of God, you should submit yourself to the Holy Father, the Roman Pontiff.”
He further stated that if the emperor submitted he would be obeying God’s orders. He would then have in necessity for friend’s brothers and helpers, the kings of Portugal and all other Christian Kings. Galawedos refused to withdraw his link with Alexandria; he stated that Bermudez was not his spiritual father, nor a prelate but patriarch of the Franks and the Portuguese. Galawedos further warned Bermudez not to call himself his spiritual father in the future “… And that he would not obey the Holy Father of Rome”.
Bermudez said, “ I held him to be excommunicated, and accursed. He (Galawedos) replied that I was excommunicated not him.” A few days later a conflict arose between the Portuguese and Ethiopians, first the Portuguese attacked the Ethiopian camp then set primitive bombs using gunpowder at the three entrances to their camp. Several Ethiopians were burned and killed when they counter-attacked and some were scalded and roasted. The Emperor was so grief stricken at this he tore his rich garments he wore. Notwithstanding as a new Patriarch Abuna Joseph was on his way to Ethiopia from Egypt the Emperor avoided conflict and gave Bermudez and his people land in the Province of Doara. Even though they were given everything they argued with the local people about submission to Rome and fought with the people of Doara.
They killed the governor of the province Calide and many poor Ethiopians and forced many of the rest to submit to Rome and the catholic faith. As a result Bermudez was imprisoned and deported to Goa. After his failure Pope Julius III and the King of Portugal sent another Patriarch and two bishops. John Nuguez Barretti was the Patriarch also Melchior Carneyro and Andrew Oviedo as bishops. Along with them came an Ambassador and ten Jesuits, only Oviedo reached Ethiopia the rest stayed at Goa and one died there (Barretti). Oviedo and the Jesuits prepared “ a treatise on the Ethiopian errors and the infallibility of our holy faith”, they further issued a circular letter in which they advised Catholics and the Portuguese to have nothing to do with such “Schimatricks”; the letter also condemned Ethiopians as refractory and Obstinate against the Church. It urged Ethiopians to forsake their religion and rebel against their king.
Galawedos replied in a spiritually inspired document entitled confession of faith, which was accompanied by a final declaration “ never to submit to the See of Rome”. The Document stated: "In the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God, this is my Faith and the Faith of my fathers the Kings, and the Faith of my flock, which is in the fold of my kingdom. “…We believe in one God and in his only son Eyesus Kristos, who is his word and power.” And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Vivifying Lord, who proceedeth from the Father. Thus do I proclaim and thus do I teach, I Galawedos, King of Ethiopia, in the name of my Kingdom, Atnaf Sagad the son of Wanag- Saged, the son of Noad.”(Yesehaq, 52)
Among the notable missionaries that came to Ethiopia to proselytize was Pero Pais, who reached Ethiopia in 1603. He lost no time in advertising the Church of Rome. Pais was “ received with great honour by King Zedengel. The next day – disputes began about religion which the King was pleased both favourably and patiently to hear.” On the advice of Pais, Zedengel wrote to Pope Clement VIII and King Philip III of Spain and Portugal to request Jesuits to come and instruct his subjects. It was also said that Zedengel secretly promised Pais to submit himself to the Pope of Rome. The chief nobility of Ethiopia found out including Ze Selassie who was zealous of their ancient religion they fought against the king and slew him in battle. Zedengel being slain Pais’s "great hopes vanished of a sudden."
After the king’s death Yacob and Susneyos fought a civil war between themselves in which Yacob was killed. Pais remained silent until the struggle was over then went to Susneyos' court where he was received with honour. Before long he had converted Susneyos to Catholicism. In 1615 Susneyos convened a theological council to debate the two beliefs Ethiopian and Roman having the Emperor on their side the Jesuits triumphed. Susneyos then issued a decree ordering his subjects to believe in the Roman formula. The discussion was renewed because of the protests of the Ethiopian Bishop Simon, which the Jesuits won again Susneyos then reissued his proclamation pronouncing death for anyone who disagreed.
The priests were filled with horror and dismay sixty monks from Damot Monastery threw themselves from a cliff rather than accept the Roman faith. The king’s eldest brother Afe Kristos (mouth of Christ) refused to accept the Roman faith and his tongue was cut out. The Governor of Wagara province gathered an army around him to kill Susneyos but was defeated. Pais died of a wasting fever soon after converting Susneyos and was replaced two years later by Afonso Mendes.
Emperor Susneyos Greets The Jesuit Mendes(Italian painting) He arrived in Ethiopia on April 3, 1624 with six other Jesuits. Mendes was “consecrated” Patriarch of Ethiopia by the Pope of Rome to head the Ethiopian church even though Ethiopia already had their spiritual leader consecrated in Alexandria. Mendes was called Patriarch by his few catholic followers including Emperor Susneyos. Mendes work began with a dictatorship attitude he ordered people to kneel to him as representative of the pope of Rome. Secondly he should reordain priests of Ethiopia and the entire population would be regarded as heathen if not rebaptized in the Catholic faith. Churches would have to be reconstructed and alters rebuilt in the Portuguese fashion.
In 1626 Susneyos swore allegiance to the Pope of Rome. He forced the clergy and the imperial families to do the same and issued the usual proclamation. Mendes excommunicated anyone who refused to accept Rome. The Ethiopian people were untouched; the Ethiopian church is the oldest church in Christendom and deeply rooted in the past. Her tradition and culture has been part of the nation’s life since the first century it was impossible for the people to accept Roman doctrine. Instead war; revolt after revolt with no end in sight broke out the Emperor spent his days squashing revolts. The Emperor’s followers including his son began to murmur against killing of fellow Ethiopians and argued with him to break with Rome.
The viceroy of Tigre was killed because he supported Rome and Susneyos avenged him with a mighty army yet the people said,“ look, sire, such thousands killed. They are neither Moors nor heathens but your own vassals, our flesh and blood. How many will you put to death? They cannot understand this faith of Rome. Leave them, sire, to the faith of their forefathers.”
Susneyos compromised by proclaiming “ Hear, O, Hear: We first gave you this faith which we held to be good, but numberless people have died. We therefore give you back your fathers’ faith. Let the former priests reenter their churches and replace their Tabots. Let them say Masses, and all of you rejoice.” The proclamation was received with great joy the whole camp sang with shouts and acclamations. The whole country danced and sang with joy.
“ At length the sheep of Ethiopia freed from the Bold Lyons of the West, securely in their pastures feed. Saint Mark and Cyril’s doctrine have o’ercome. The follies of the Church of Rome. Rejoice, Rejoice sing Hallelujah. All, no more the Western wolves. Our Ethiopia shall enthrall”.
Susneyos died of a wasting fever on December 16,1632 this spelled the end for the Jesuits in Ethiopia. Fasilidas who was an ardent supporter of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church succeeded Susneyos. He ordered the Jesuits to leave Ethiopia Mendes said he would not leave as he had vowed not to leave Ethiopia. Fasilidas stated “ Your Lordship is not leaving Ethiopia, it is she who has left your Lordship; your Lordship does not fly from Ethiopia it is she who has fled from you.” Mendes left heartbroken as all the Jesuits labours had come to naught. (Yesehaq, 57)
The Liberation of the Church and Establishment of the Ethiopian Patriarchate
Historic Occasion
The essence of the development of the Ethiopian church is always to be found in its history. As can be seen from the following simplified account, it was a signal for the beginning of the main task to be accomplished in the future. A real productive life that meets the real needs of the people and the need for new patterns and effective participation of the people in the decision-making that determines their future life can only be achieved through liberation. In this case dependency demands the opposite in the improvement of one’s life. The church being free shows with great evidence that the major problems of society are being solved and the needs and hopes of a large number of people are being realized. (Yesehaq, 83)
A Fulfilment of Prophecy
From the beginning the Ethiopian church was affiliated with the See of Saint Mark of Alexandria. After Abba Selama (Father of Peace / Frumentius) first bishop of Ethiopia, died, Egyptian bishops from Alexandria were appointed to head the Ethiopian church. This continued until the time of Emperor Haile Selassie I. This was done for two reasons, one reason being that Ethiopian church fathers do not as a tradition seek after their own glory but would rather delight in the glory of others. Besides this the saying “…a prophet is without honour in his country.”(John 4:44) is much respected among the Ethiopians. For this and other reasons Ethiopian church fathers resisted appointments to higher position for a long time. This still occurs today when a position is offered to some church fathers they will hide themselves until they are certain the position has been given to someone else.
Conference
The second reason is in respect to the Egyptian claim based on the Council of Nicaea (A.D 325) which states that Ethiopians are forbidden to appoint a patriarch from among their learned men, nor can they elect one of their own will, that their spiritual head was to be under the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Alexandria for life.
Such a claim based on this matter could hardly be related to the Christian principle and to the God given freedom. The leadership by the Alexandrian patriarchate over the Ethiopian Church had been maintained strictly until the twentieth century and the Ethiopians had humbly accepted this with reverence. However due to problems and poor communication caused by language, it was very necessary for the Ethiopian Tewahedo church to have Ethiopian born bishops who could without difficulty speak the national language, Amharic as well as Geez, the classical language of the church.
Autocephalus
New Ethiopian Bishops-May 1929 In 1926 after the death of Abuna Mathewos, Emperor Haile Selassie I, then Ras Tafari, began to negotiate for the appointment of an Ethiopian-born bishop to be head of the church. This was agreed upon by His Holiness Patriarch Cyril V and by the Holy Synod of the Coptic Church. In May 1929, five Ethiopian-born bishops were consecrated for the first time in the history of the church. Archbishop Qerillos, born in Egypt, was consecrated as metropolitan.
The Massacre – Benito Mussolini, 1933– 40
Mussolini's Work Vatican at Work Smiling Pose Hanging By Rome Yoke Beheading Pre-Execution More Hangings Divide and Conquer Bones Skulls Hangings
While the church was progressing, Mussolini, who had proclaimed a great colonial power in Africa along with his fellow dictator, Hitler, invaded Ethiopia. The tragedy that took place under Mussolini’s Fascist regime has left unspeakable scars upon the people and church of Ethiopia, where the Roman church made another attempt of proselytism. It was similar to the problem of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
“ Mussolini declared that for fascism empire-building, or the expansion of nations, was a manifestation of vitality and proclaimed in metaphysical vein, that the Empire in fascist doctrine was not only a territorial military, but also a spiritual and moral expression.”
In keeping with his plan he laid down great damage on the people and the church. At this particular time all Ethiopian citizens shared martyrdom regardless of the differences of religion, race, or creed. As is it common with every political corruption to divide a nation as a methods of winning or weakening it, the Italians attempted, by costly and malicious propaganda during the war to set the Muhammadans against the Christians.
At first the Muhammadans themselves supported the idea. Later on a national spirit was awakened instead. Since the Italians were not only persecutors but also political and economic oppressors, the Muhammadans fought the invaders united with their Ethiopian brothers. During the attempt on the life of General Graziani in February 1937 and on several other occasions, thousands of Ethiopians were murdered, including bishops’ priests and Moslem sheiks.
The Italians concentrated on exterminating the Christian people and destroying sacred places. In particular, the Italians wanted to exterminate the clergy, who were considered the backbone of the people’s struggle against the aggressors.
An Ethiopian Moslem wrote an account of the wholesale massacre he witnessed of Christian Ethiopians by Christian Italians.“…I stood and thanked God that he had not made me a Christian. Yet I knew that the sin did not lie with Christ. One Sunday, I saw some white Italian soldiers enter an Ethiopian church and rang the bells, sixteen old men thought it was time for prayer; before they could enter the church the Italians killed them. I heard the words of these poor old men Egziabeher yasaywo (may God open your eyes to the truth) I could not help crying, but the Italians laughing, the dead bodies lay for two days on the steps of the church.”
This Ethiopian Muslim went on to relate, “ the first order given to the Italians armies was to kill everyone carrying the cross. I saw a man pick up a gold cross in the street, and whilst he had it in his hand an Italian soldier killed him because he thought the man was a Christian.”
He further stated that he saw “ an old man sitting in his house, his Bible in one hand and a white flag in the other. Italian soldiers entered the house and demanded the old man’s money. He answered that he was poor, but offered them all he had three dollars ($3.00). They fired three bullets at him and he crumpled up dead.” The Italians had several methods of murdering the people, some of which involved the Ethiopian people’s attachment to the church. It is customary in Ethiopia to celebrate matin at night. At this hour all church bells are rung to summon the faithful to worship. Having knowledge of this the fascists did not hesitate to satisfy their violent act. They rang the bells. Then when the people came in their thousands they found that these bells had not summoned them to worship but to the most painful death that the civilized world has ever witnessed. Bishops and priests were killed slowly their limbs removed one at a time while their murderers watched with glee as they suffered. Clergy and civilians were victims of beheading accompanied by the smiling faces of their executioners. Two of these victims were Bishop Petros and Bishop Mikael. Bishop Petros was asked to sign an act of submission to the Italian authorities and to pronounce excommunication of the Ethiopians who would not submit to the invader, but he refused to comply. Instead he declared that the land of Ethiopia and the people should never accept the Italian aggressors. As a result he was gunned down. Over Two thousand churches were razed to the ground and numerous transcripts were stolen. We cannot forget what Happened or how many innocent persons men women and children who died to preserve the Holy Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Died to protect our faith from Rome from Vatican, Do not think for one minute that they have stopped trying either. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is New Jerusalem.
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