Saint Frumentius, a Syrian, introduced Christianity to Ethiopia in the 4th century. As the first bishop of Aksum, he established the church using orthodox Alexandrian teachings to counter Arianism. Frumentius and his companion, likely his brother Aedesius, were taken captive in Ethiopia around 340. They became civil servants, and Frumentius converted the king. After the king’s death, he advised the queen, tutored Prince Ezana, and gained permission to evangelize. After his regency, Frumentius traveled to Alexandria and met St. Athanasius, who ordained him bishop and tasked him with adapting the liturgy to the Ethiopian language and culture. This began the close relationship between the Coptic and Ethiopian churches. Returning home, Frumentius built churches and baptized King Ezana, leading to Christianity's recognition as the state religion. Despite opposition from Emperor Constantius II, Frumentius resisted Arianism. Rufinus of Aquileia later recorded his story. Ethiopians called him “abuna” or “Our Father,” a title for the Orthodox patriarch today. He is the patron saint of Ethiopia.
St. Frumentius, pray for us to be zealous apostles of the Gospel wherever we are.
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