Ethiopia embraced Christianity before most of Europe?

While much of Europe was still steeped in pagan traditions, Ethiopia officially adopted Christianity in 330 CE, making it one of the first Christian nations in the world — even before Rome declared Christianity its state religion.

Under the rule of King Ezana of Aksum, Ethiopia embraced the faith after being influenced by a Syrian Christian missionary named Frumentius, who would later become the first bishop of the Ethiopian Church.

Ethiopia’s Christian tradition is ancient, deep, and unique. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church maintains practices older than many Western churches — including fasting, ancient liturgies, and the Ark of the Covenant tradition.

Its churches — such as the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, carved entirely out of solid stone in the 12th century — stand as living proof of a faith rooted in African soil for over 1,700 years.

Quote for Thought

“Before cathedrals rose in Europe, the cross had already taken root in the mountains of Ethiopia.”
— Echoes of Forgotten Africa