SAINT FRUMENTIUS

 

Saint Frumentius: Apostle to Ethiopia
Saint Frumentius

By Edward Matulanya 

Here are feast day, early Life, Missionary Work and Episcopal Role, Death and Legacy of Saint Frumentius: Apostle to Ethiopia.

Feast day

The Catholic Church commemorates Saint Frumentius on October 27. He is revered as the “Apostle to Ethiopia” for his pivotal role in introducing Christianity to the ancient Kingdom of Axum (modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea). His missionary work, leadership, and advocacy for the Christian faith established one of the earliest Christian traditions outside the Roman Empire (Vatican News, 2021).

Early Life and Journey to Ethiopia

Frumentius was born in Tyre, in Phoenicia (modern Lebanon). As a youth, he and his brother Aedesius embarked on a voyage that led them toward the Red Sea region. Their ship was attacked, and nearly all aboard were killed, leaving only the two brothers as survivors. They were taken to the royal court of Axum, where they gained the trust of the king and queen (Catholic Online, n.d.).

After the death of the king, the queen asked them to remain in Axum to help govern and educate the young prince. During this period, Frumentius promoted Christian ideas and sought opportunities to introduce the faith to the local people (Catholic Online, n.d.).

Missionary Work and Episcopal Role

Recognizing the need for a structured Christian presence in Ethiopia, Frumentius traveled to Alexandria, where he appealed to Saint Athanasius, the Patriarch of Alexandria, for missionary support. Athanasius responded by consecrating Frumentius as the first bishop of Axum (Vatican News, 2021).

In this role, Frumentius encouraged the spread of Christianity by establishing churches, promoting worship, and facilitating conversions. His leadership contributed to Ethiopia becoming one of the earliest Christian nations in the world (Catholic Online, n.d.).

Death and Legacy

Frumentius is believed to have died around 380 CE (Vatican News, 2021). He is remembered as a confessor and missionary bishop who laid the foundations for Christianity in Ethiopia. He is honored in the Catholic Church as well as in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, where he is called “Abuna” (our father) and “Aba Salama” (Father of Peace) (Dynamic Catholic, n.d.).

His missionary efforts not only Christianized the Axumite Kingdom but also linked Ethiopia with the Alexandrian Church, forging ties that endured for centuries (Vatican News, 2021). His feast day, celebrated on October 27, honors his enduring contributions to global Christianity (Catholic Saints Info, n.d.).

Conclusion

Saint Frumentius remains a central figure in the history of Christianity. His courage, leadership, and missionary zeal established a lasting Christian community in Ethiopia. The Catholic Church venerates him on October 27, recognizing his role as a bridge between the Alexandrian and Ethiopian Churches.

References

Catholic Online. (n.d.). St. Frumentius. Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/sofd.php?date=2022-10-27

Catholic Saints Info. (n.d.). Saint of the day for October 27. Catholic Saints. https://catholicsaints.mobi/calendar/27-october.htm

Dynamic Catholic. (n.d.). Saint of the day for October 27. Dynamic Catholic. https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/saint-today-1027.html

Vatican News. (2021). Saint of the day: Saint Frumentius, apostle of Ethiopia. Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/10/27.html

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