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Saint Frumentius of Ethiopia

detail from an icon of Saint Frumentius of Ethopia, artist unknown, date unknown Also known as

Apostle to Ethiopia
Abuna of Ethiopia
Father of Ethiopia
Fremonat
Frementius
Fulgence

20 July (2001 Martyrology)
27 October (traditional Roman Catholic)
1 August (Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church)
30 November (Eastern Orthodox Churches)
18 December (Coptic Orthodox Church)

Profile

Brother of Saint Aedesius. Student of the philosopher Meropius. While on a voyage on the Red Sea, their ship wrecked on the Ethiopian shore, and only Frumentius and Aedeius survived. They were taken to the king at Axum as a curiosity, and became members of the court, Frumentius serving as secretary. When the king died they stayed as part of the queen‘s court. She permitted them to introduce Christianity to the country, and open trade between Ethiopia and the west. Frumentius convinced Saint Athanasius of Alexandria to send missionaries from Alexandria, Egypt, and was himself consecrated as bishop of Ethiopia. Converted many, including the princes Ezana and Sheazana, and established a firm foothold in Ethiopia for the faith.