Saint Frumentius

Saint Frumentius is known as the apostle and first bishop of Ethiopia. Born in Tyre, Phoenicia, he had a childhood marked by a great adventure that took him to the African continent. As a child, Frumêncio traveled with his brother Edésio, following a philosopher named Merópio towards the Indies. However, the vessel was robbed while crossing the Red Sea. Only the two young men were spared and were taken as slaves to Axum, in Ethiopia, where they served at Court. Edésio became cupbearer and Frumêncio, administrator of the kingdom’s assets.

However, God turned this terrible situation into something good. Through the brothers’ intelligence and spirit of service, they managed to win King Ezana’s heart. The two young men strove to evangelize Africa and began by protecting Christian merchants who passed through the region.

They obtained permission to build a small church and thus began to spread the Gospel to the people. After about twenty years, Frumêncio and Edésio were finally able to return to their homeland. Edesius went to Tire and Frumentius walked to Alexandria, where he shared with the Patriarch Saint Athanasius the wonders that the Resurrected One had performed in Ethiopia, as well as the need for priests and a bishop. Admired by the reports, Saint Athanasius granted Frumentius priestly power and named him Bishop of all Ethiopia in 350.

Upon returning to Axum, Frumêncio was received with joy as the “Priest bringing Peace”. He continued to preach the Gospel with the power of the Holy Spirit and was responsible for the conversion of King Ezana, the queen and a large number of indigenous people. Thanks to the courage of the young brothers and the perseverance of Frumentius, almost all of Ethiopia surrendered before the name of Jesus Christ. Saint Frumêncio accomplished great things in the region, translating the Bible and the Liturgy into the local language, enriching them with popular Christian songs and rites.

After a life dedicated to the service of God and the Ethiopian people, Saint Frumentius died in 380. He received the title of apostle and first bishop of Ethiopia and to this day he is treated with great gratitude and worship by the Ethiopian people.