Tewahedo Over the Centuries

History & Saints of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (Century-by-Century) : Ages 14+ only

Duration: 4 months (16 weeks)
Class Time: Every Tuesday, 8:00–9:00 PM (ET)
Start Date:February 2
End: Week 16 (late May)
Format: Online (Zoom/Google Meet)
Recordings:All lectures are recorded and posted after class.

Course Description

This course surveys the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church through its major figures—saints, missionaries, monastic fathers, theologians, and Christian kings—from the Apostolic era through the modern period. Students will learn how Orthodox faith and practice were preserved and strengthened across centuries through figures such as Frumentius (Abba Selama), the Nine Saints, King Kaleb, Lalibela, Tekle Haymanot, Zara Yaqob, Susenyos/Fasilides, and modern martyrs.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Identify major Ethiopian Orthodox figures by century and category (saints/kings/monastics/theologians)

2. Explain each figure’s historical and spiritual significance

3. Connect events (wars, councils, dynasties) to Church development

4. Summarize the core legacy of Ethiopian monasticism and Orthodox doctrine

5. Apply lessons from saints’ lives to Christian life today