This paper offers rarely seen evidence for the early theological foundations of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity by examining a 4th-century Greek inscription of King Ezana of Axum, Ethiopia’s first Christian ruler. This inscription provides the earliest internal documentary evidence for Ethiopia’s alignment with Nicene orthodoxy and its rejection of Arianism. The Greek syntax and Trinitarian formula in Ezana’s inscription affirm the equality and unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, closely mirroring the Nicene stance. Additionally, Ezana’s phrase “in the power of God Christ” equates Christ with God, directly opposing Arian claims that Christ was a created being. Despite direct imperial pressure from Constantius II to impose Arianism, Ethiopian Christianity remained firmly Nicene.
This study contributes to the broader discourse on creedal Christianity by demonstrating how Ethiopia’s Christology aligned with Nicene doctrine, despite later divergence from the Chalcedonian formulation of Christ’s nature. By examining linguistic, theological, and historical evidence, this paper will highlight the global reach of Nicene Christianity and the role of the early Ethiopian Orthodox Church in preserving and disseminating Nicene faith.
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