St. Frumentius of Ethiopia

  Posted on August 24, 2024  by admin  No comments

Born: early 4th century, Tyre (modern Sur, Lebanon)

Died: c.383 in Ethiopia of natural causes

Patronage: Abyssinia, Ethiopia.

Also known as, Apostle to Ethiopia, Abuna of Ethiopia, Father of Ethiopia, Fremonat, Fulgence

Additional Memorials 1 August (Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church), 30 November (Eastern Orthodox Churches), 18 December (Coptic Orthodox Church)

Brother of Saint Aedeius. Student of the philosopher Meropius. While on a voyage on the Red Sea, their ship wrecked on the Ethiopian shore, and only Frumentius and Aedeius survived. They were taken to the king at Axum as a curiosity, and became members of the court, Frumentius serving as secretary. When the king died they stayed as part of the queen’s court. She permitted them to introduce Christianity to the country, and open trade between Ethiopia and the west. Frumentius convinced Saint Athanasius of Alexandria to send missionaries from Alexandria, Egypt, and was himself consecrated as bishop of Ethiopia. Converted many, including the princes Ezana and Sheazana, and established a firm foothold in Ethiopia for the faith.