How well do you know the history of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity?

Religious Movements and Evangelization in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity

• Christianity had existed in Ethiopia before the expansion of the Christian Kingdom in the Horn of Africa.
• Early Christians in Shewa played a role in the spread of Christianity in several areas.
• Iyesus-Mo'a opened up opportunities for learning and evangelization in central Ethiopia and beyond.
• Amde-Tsion's territorial expansion further spread Christianity during the medieval period.
• Abune Tekle-Haymanot played a key role in reviving Christianity in Shewa and converting Motalami to Christianity.
• The Ewostatewos movement, which emphasized strict Sabbath observance, was founded in the mid-thirteenth century and faced opposition from the organized religious rival group of the clergy in Sera'e.
• Ewostatewos fled to Egypt and the movement weakened but was later revived by his followers who spread to different monasteries in northern Ethiopia.
• The anti-Ewostatewos group was led by the Abbot of the Hayq Monastery and supported by the Abun and the monarch.
• The Estifanosites movement, led by abba Estifanos, emphasized poverty, self-subsistence, equality, and independence from secular authorities.
• Estifanos collided with Zara-Yaqob, who took harsh measures against the Estifanosites for their opposition to the veneration of St. Mary.
• Naod was more favorably inclined towards the Estifanosites and was instrumental in their reintegration into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
• Zara-Yaqob implemented religious reforms, including the standardization of liturgy and the establishment of a council of bishops to oversee church affairs.

Test your knowledge on the history of religious movements and evangelization in Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity with this quiz. From the early spread of Christianity in Shewa to the establishment of the Ewostatewos and Estifanosites movements, this quiz covers key events and figures that shaped the development of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. See how much you know about this fascinating history and challenge yourself to learn more.