Mekelle፡ 29 July 2024 (Tigray Herald)
By Yerga Yaecobe
Comparative Analysis of Religious and Historical Significance: Malankara Churches of India,
Syriac Orthodox Church, Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, and Meneber Selama
Kesate Birehan Aksum-Tigray Orthodox Church
Introduction
The significance of a church’s name and title is deeply rooted in its historical and religious
context. For the Meneber Selama Kesate Birehan Aksum-Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church, it
is imperative to include the name “Aksum-Tigray” in its constitutional draft. This document
provides a comparative analysis with other Oriental Orthodox churches—Malankara Churches
of India, Syriac Orthodox Church, and Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria—to
emphasize the critical importance of the name “Aksum-Tigray” in reflecting the church’s rich
heritage and historical legacy.
Comparative Analysis
Malankara Churches of India
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, also known as the Indian Orthodox Church, traces its
origins to the apostolic missionary work of St. Thomas. The inclusion of “Malankara” in its name
denotes its geographic and cultural roots in the Malabar region of Kerala, India. This specific
reference underscores the church’s historical connection and regional identity, fostering a strong
sense of belonging among its members .
Syriac Orthodox Church
The Syriac Orthodox Church, also known as the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch,
derives its name from the ancient city of Antioch. This naming highlights its apostolic foundation
and the continuity of its traditions from the early Christian era. By retaining “Syriac” and
“Antioch” in its title, the church reinforces its historical and theological lineage, which is crucial
for maintaining its identity and heritage .
Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria emphasizes its connection to the ancient city of
Alexandria, where it was established by St. Mark the Evangelist. The inclusion of “Alexandria” in
its title signifies its foundational history and the pivotal role the city played in the early Christian
world. This reference is essential for preserving the church’s historical significance and its
theological contributions to Christianity .
Importance of “Aksum-Tigray” in Meneber Selama Kesate Birehan Aksum-Tigray Orthodox
Tewahedo Church
Historical Significance
The name “Aksum-Tigray” holds profound historical and religious significance for the Meneber
Selama Kesate Birehan Aksum-Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Aksum, located in
modern-day Tigray, Ethiopia, became Christianized in the fourth century C.E. under King Ezana,
making it the first sub-Saharan African state to embrace Christianity . The introduction of
Christianity to Aksum is attributed to Frumentius, also know own as Abune Salama Kesate Birehan,who played a pivotal role in spreading the gospel .
Religious Legacy
Aksum’s adoption of Christianity marked the beginning of a rich religious tradition that has
profoundly influenced the region’s cultural and spiritual life. The Ge’ez alphabet and liturgical
language, developed in Aksum, remain integral to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church . By including
“Aksum-Tigray” in its constitutional name, the church acknowledges its foundational roots and
honors the legacy of the early Christian missionaries.
Recommendations
Inclusion of “Aksum-Tigray” in the Constitution: The constitutional draft of the Meneber Selama
Kesate Birehan Aksum-Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church must include the name
“Aksum-Tigray” to reflect its historical and religious heritage accurately.
Historical Acknowledgment: Highlight the historical significance of Aksum’s Christianization and
the contributions of Frumentius in spreading Christianity in the region. This acknowledgment will
strengthen the church’s identity and historical continuity.
Educational Programs: Implement educational initiatives to inform the church’s members and
the wider community about the importance of Aksum’s religious heritage. This will foster a
deeper understanding and appreciation of the church’s historical roots.
International Religious Diplomacy: Utilize the historical and religious significance of
“Aksum-Tigray” in international religious diplomacy. Emphasizing this heritage can enhance the
church’s relationships with other Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox institutions, promoting
mutual respect and collaboration.
Conclusion
The inclusion of “Aksum-Tigray” in the name of the Meneber Selama Kesate Birehan
Aksum-Tigray Orthodox Tewahedo Church is not merely a matter of nomenclature but a crucial
aspect of preserving and honoring its historical and religious legacy. By drawing parallels with
other Oriental Orthodox churches, it becomes evident that geographic and historical references
in church names play a vital role in maintaining their identity and heritage. Therefore, it is
imperative for the church’s bishops and decision-makers to consider this matter with the utmost
seriousness and ensure that the name “Aksum-Tigray” is enshrined in its constitutional draft.
References
For more information on the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, see “History of Malankara
Orthodox Syrian Church” at malankaraorthodoxchurch.in.
Detailed history of the Syriac Orthodox Church can be found at “The Syriac Orthodox Church of
Antioch” at syriacorthodoxresources.org.
To learn more about the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, visit “The Coptic Orthodox
Church Network” at copticchurch.net.
An overview of Aksum’s Christian history is available in the article “Christianity in Ancient Africa”
from the Ancient History Encyclopedia at ancient.eu.
For details on Frumentius and the Christianization of Aksum, refer to “The Church of Ethiopia: A
Panorama of History and Spiritual Life” by John Binns.
Information on the Ge’ez language and its significance can be found at “The Languages of Ethiopia” on ethnologue.com
