Ethiopian Orthodox Bible: Old Testament

• The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the oldest Christian churches, with roots tracing back to the 4th century AD.
• Its Bible differs from Protestant and Catholic versions, containing 81 books.
• These include the Old Testament, the New Testament, and additional books considered canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
• Knowing the unique books and their content is essential for the quiz.
• Understanding the distinct perspective and interpretations within the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition is crucial.

Old Testament

• The Ethiopian Orthodox Old Testament includes the standard 39 books recognized by most Protestant Christians.
• It also includes books found in the Septuagint but considered apocryphal by Protestants.
• These include Tobit, Judith, additions to Esther, Wisdom, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, the Letter of Jeremiah, additions to Daniel (Prayer of Azariah, Song of the Three Holy Children, Susanna, Bel and the Dragon), and 1-4 Maccabees.
• Further, it uniquely includes Enoch, Jubilees, and 1-3 Meqabyan.
• Enoch provides an account of the fall of the Watchers (angels) and their interactions with humans.
• It contains prophecies and apocalyptic visions that are important in Ethiopian Orthodox theology.
• Jubilees presents a rewritten version of Genesis and Exodus, dividing time into "Jubilees" (49-year periods).
• It offers a distinct perspective on the history of Israel and the establishment of God's laws.
• The three books of Meqabyan retell the story of the Maccabean revolt.
• While the first two are related to the Maccabees known from other versions, the third Meqabyan is a unique Ethiopian text focusing on different events and themes.

New Testament

• The Ethiopian Orthodox New Testament contains the 27 books recognized by most other Christian denominations.
• All canonical books: the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation are included.
• Additionally, it contains the books of Ethiopian Orthodox synod: Sinodos, Ser`ata Seyon, and Tizaz.
• These are mostly concerned with church order and governance.

Key Figures

• Patriarchs and Leaders: Familiarize yourself with important figures in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's history.
• This includes patriarchs, saints, and missionaries who played key roles in shaping the church's doctrines and traditions.
• Authors of Unique Books: Knowing the traditional authors of books like Enoch and Jubilees (even if pseudepigraphical) can provide context.
• Early Translators: Understanding who translated the Bible into Ge'ez (the ancient language of Ethiopia) offers insights into the transmission of the scriptures.

Theological Concepts

• Tewahedo (Union): Understand the Christological doctrine of Tewahedo, which emphasizes the perfect union of the divine and human natures of Christ in one person without separation, commingling, or alteration.
• The Trinity: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church firmly believes in the Holy Trinity.
• It is important to comprehend their view of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as one God.
• Mariology: The Virgin Mary holds a highly venerated position in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
• Understanding her role as Theotokos (Mother of God) and the intercessory power attributed to her is important.
• Saints and Angels: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has a rich tradition of honoring saints and angels.
• Learn about some of the most important figures and their roles as intercessors and protectors.
• Eschatology: Ethiopian Orthodox eschatology includes beliefs about the afterlife, resurrection, final judgment, and the ultimate destiny of humanity.
• Understanding these perspectives will provide a complete picture of their theology.

Liturgical Practices

• Observances: Gain knowledge about the major feasts, fasts, and holy days observed by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
• Understanding the liturgical calendar and the specific significance of each observance is beneficial.
• Sacraments: Learn about the seven sacraments recognized by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
• These include baptism, confirmation, communion, confession, holy orders, marriage, and anointing of the sick.
• Worship Style: Familiarize yourself with the elements of Ethiopian Orthodox worship, including chanting, liturgical music, prayer, and the use of icons.
• Qene: Understanding Qene, a form of Ge'ez poetry used in Ethiopian Orthodox liturgical music, is helpful.
• Instruments: The use of traditional instruments like the Kebero drum, Tsenatsil ( Sistrum), and Melekete (Prayer stick) can be useful.

Cultural Context

• Ge'ez Language: Recognizing that Ge'ez is the liturgical language of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church provides context for understanding the scriptures and religious texts.
• Art and Iconography: Familiarize yourself with common themes, symbols, and artistic styles in Ethiopian Orthodox iconography.
• Historical Influences: Know how historical events, cultural exchanges, and interactions with other religious traditions have shaped the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
• Oral Tradition: Recognize the importance of oral tradition in preserving and transmitting religious knowledge within the Ethiopian Orthodox community.

Quiz Preparation Tips

• Read the Unique Books: Focus on the content and key themes of the books unique to the Ethiopian Orthodox Bible.
• Study Church History: Learn about the history of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, including its origins, major figures, and significant events.
• Understand Theological Concepts: Develop a solid understanding of the core theological concepts of the Ethiopian Orthodox faith.
• Review Liturgical Practices: Review the liturgical practices, observances, and sacraments.
• Practice Questions: Prepare sample questions and test your knowledge of different topics related to the Ethiopian Orthodox Bible.
• Consult with Experts: Seek guidance from knowledgeable individuals or religious leaders within the Ethiopian Orthodox community.
• Pray for Guidance: Seek divine guidance and wisdom.