OUR FAITH
The Nicene Creed 381 AD
The Prayer of Faith
We believe in one God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and all things visible and invisible. And we believe in One Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father who was with Him before the creation of the world. Light from light, true God from true God. Begotten not made, of One essence with the Father. By whom all things were made, and without Him was not anything in heaven or earth made. Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, was made man and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and of the Holy Virgin Mary. Became man, was crucified for our sakes in the days of Pontius Pilate. Suffered, died, was buried, rose from the dead on the third day, as was written in the Holy Scriptures. Ascended unto heaven into glory, sat at the right hand of his Father, and will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, there is no end of his reign. And we belive in the Holy Spirit, the life giving God, who proceedeth from the Father. We worship and glorify him with the Father and Son, who spoke by the prophets. And we believe in the One Holy universal Apostolic Church. And we believe in One Baptism for the remission of sins, and wait for the resurrection of the dead, and the life to come, world without end. Amen.
Christology
Miaphysite
The term “Tewahedo” is a Ge’ez word meaning unity or oneness. This unity or oneness is referring to Jesus Christ’s nature. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, along with other communion churches adhere to the christology of Miaphysitism. Miaphysitism is the belief that Jesus Christ's nature is One. Both fully Human and fully Divine with no separation. The theological formula “Miaphysite” was taught by St. Cyril of Alexandria. The term “Miaphysite” is not to be confused with the term “Monophysite” or “Monophysitism.” We believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s is the word of God made flesh.
Mariology
Theotokos
The term “Tewahedo” is a Ge’ez word meaning unity or oneness. This unity or oneness is referring to Jesus Christ’s nature. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, along with other communion churches adhere to the christology of Miaphysitism. Miaphysitism is the belief that Jesus Christ's nature is One. Both fully Human and fully Divine with no separation. The theological formula “Miaphysite” was taught by St. Cyril of Alexandria. The term “Miaphysite” is not to be confused with the term “Monophysite” or “Monophysitism.” We believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s is the word of God made flesh.
Seven Sacraments
(Ge'ez: ቅዱስ ምስጢር, Qidus Mestir)
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, sacraments are sacred rites instituted by God and administered by the Church through the Holy Spirit, to bestow divine grace upon the faithful. These sacraments are central to the spiritual life and salvation of believers.
The key characteristics of sacraments
Mystical in nature: The sacraments are deeply spiritual and considered divine mysteries.
Efficacious through faith and grace: Their benefit depends on the worthiness and faith of the recipient, but the grace is conferred by God.
Administered by clergy: Only ordained clergy, particularly priests and bishops, may validly perform most of the sacraments.
1. Penance (Confession)
The forgiveness of sins committed after baptism through repentance.
2. Baptism
The washing away of original sin and entry into the Christian life.
3. Confirmation (Chrismation)
The sealing of the Holy Spirit, administered immediately after baptism.
4. Holy Communion
Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ.
5. Holy Matrimony
The blessing and union of a man and woman in holy marriage.
6. Unction of the Sick
The anointing and prayer for healing of the sick.
7. Holy Orders
The ordination of deacons, priests, and bishops for ministry in the Church.
1. Mystery of the Trinity
The belief in One God in three co-eternal and co-equal persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. Mystery of the Incarnation
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took on human nature and became fully God and fully man, without separation or confusion, to redeem humanity.
3. Mystery of Baptism
The sacrament of baptism through water and the Holy Spirit washes away original sin and unites the believer with Christ and His Church.
4. Mystery of the Holy Communion
The Eucharist is the true body and blood of Jesus Christ, offered in the Divine Liturgy as a living sacrifice for the life of the world.
5. Mystery of the Resurrection of the Dead
The belief that the dead will rise in the final resurrection and be judged by Christ — the righteous to eternal life, and the wicked to eternal punishment.
Five Pillars of Mystery
(Ge'ez: ሐዋርያት ምሥጢራት አምስት — ḥawāryāt mǝsṭīrāt ʾāmsṭ)
In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the "Five Pillars of Mystery" are foundational theological doctrines that summarize the Church’s essential teachings.
These five mysteries encapsulate the Church’s Christological, sacramental, and eschatological teachings, rooted in apostolic tradition and scripture.
Ten Commandments
Exodus 20:1-17 & Deuteronomy 5:6-21
1
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exodus 20:3
2
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image...
Exodus 20:4–6
3
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain...
Exodus 20:7
4
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exodus 20:8–11
5
Honour thy father and thy mother...
Exodus 20:12
6
Thou shalt not kill.
Exodus 20:13
7
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Exodus 20:14
8
Thou shalt not steal.
Exodus 20:15
9
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Exodus 20:16
10
Thou shalt not covet...
Exodus 20:17
33 Parables of Jesus Christ
1. Parable of the Sower – Matthew 13:3–9; Mark 4:3–9; Luke 8:5–8
2. Parable of the Weeds (Tares) – Matthew 13:24–30
3. Parable of the Mustard Seed – Matthew 13:31–32; Mark 4:30–32; Luke 13:18–19
4. Parable of the Leaven – Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20–21
5. Parable of the Hidden Treasure – Matthew 13:44
6. Parable of the Pearl of Great Price – Matthew 13:45–46
7. Parable of the Net – Matthew 13:47–50
8. Parable of the Unforgiving Servant – Matthew 18:23–35
9. Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard – Matthew 20:1–16
10. Parable of the Two Sons – Matthew 21:28–32
11. Parable of the Wicked Tenants – Matthew 21:33–46; Mark 12:1–12; Luke 20:9–19
12. Parable of the Wedding Banquet – Matthew 22:1–14
13. Parable of the Ten Virgins – Matthew 25:1–13
14. Parable of the Talents – Matthew 25:14–30
15. Parable of the Sheep and the Goats – Matthew 25:31–46
16. Parable of the Growing Seed – Mark 4:26–29
17. Parable of the Watchful Servants – Mark 13:33–37; Luke 12:35–40
18. Parable of the Rich Fool – Luke 12:16–21
19. Parable of the Barren Fig Tree – Luke 13:6–9
20. Parable of the Great Banquet – Luke 14:15–24
21. Parable of the Lost Sheep – Matthew 18:12–14; Luke 15:3–7
22. Parable of the Lost Coin – Luke 15:8–10
23. Parable of the Prodigal Son – Luke 15:11–32
24. Parable of the Unjust Steward – Luke 16:1–13
25. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus – Luke 16:19–31
26. Parable of the Persistent Widow – Luke 18:1–8
27. Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector – Luke 18:9–14
28. Parable of the Minas (Pounds) – Luke 19:11–27
29. Parable of the Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25–37
30. Parable of the Friend at Midnight – Luke 11:5–8
31. Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders – Matthew 7:24–27; Luke 6:47–49
32. Parable of the New Wineskins – Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37–39
33. Parable of the Rich Young Ruler (illustrative teaching) – Matthew 19:16–30; Mark 10:17–31; Luke 18:18–30
