The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and Its Pastoral Activities
Date
2000-02-16
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
This long essay presents the pastoral activity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo
Church, particularly in Ethiopia. Before I mention the pastoral dimension of the Orthodox
Tewahedo Church, I would like to give the meaning of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo
Church. The Church is known as the Oriental and non-Chalcedonian Church. "Tewahedo" means
"United as one people and one faith" in Ethiopian. So the Church is called the Ethiopian
Orthodox Tewahedo Church. In other words, the Church identifies its origin and its foundation
of traditional faith. There are many reasons why the Church is called the Non-Chalcedonian
Church. However, my long essay presents the background of the Ethiopian Orthodox
Tewahedo Church and its pastoral dimension inside and outside the Church.
Whenever I reflect on the pastoral activities of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo
Church, I always feel like expressing its richness in culture, social life, pastoral activities and its
theological view. In Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is greatly valued and
respected by the government, as well as by the people of Ethiopia. Hence, the Orthodox
Tewahedo Church has been challenging the people of Ethiopia inside and outside the country.
For many foreigners, the Pastoral Activities in the Mission Dimension and its attraction
might not be obvious. However, people who have seen its richness in spiritual development and
cultural approach have converted their lives to follow the Church's activities in the liturgical
celebration and other functions. Therefore, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of
the sources of social life within and outside Ethiopia, because the Church brings people together.
Many Ethiopians find it very important to go to Church and confess their faith, because
they believe that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church is the mother Church. So the people of Ethiopia like to worship God in their Orthodox Church wherever they live. The Church also gives moral
support to the people, so that they may continue to live in their faith. The faith that they have is
their culture and social life.
This long essay identifies how the life of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, its
teaching and its pastoral activities, work in all the world. In truth, the Orthodox Tewahedo
Church gives encouragement to the people of Ethiopia in order to keep their culture and faith.
Hence, the Church teaches its Christians all the time as its pastoral responsibility inside and
outside the country.
So this paper focuses on the history of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and its
pastoral activities in Ethiopia. Without fear of exaggeration and without making any
contradiction, my long essay will present the origin of the Church's faith and the life of the
Church today inside and outside the country.
Description
Keywords
Church, Pastoral activities, Orthodox, Priest