About our Lord and Savior #Jesus #Christ
👉Question፦ Are there any written records detailing birth place of jesus in language of ge'ez or amharic that predates the year 325??
While the video you shared presents a compelling narrative, it is important to approach such claims with a discerning spirit guided by the wisdom of the Holy Scriptures and the unbroken tradition of the Orthodox Church.
Firstly, the Gospels, written in Koine Greek, clearly identify Bethlehem in Judea as the birthplace of Jesus (Matthew 2:1, Luke 2:4-7). These texts predate the Council of Nicea (325 AD) by centuries and form the bedrock of our understanding of Christ's earthly life.
While Ge'ez and Amharic are sacred languages to us in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, they emerged as written languages later than the Gospels. Therefore, it is unlikely to find texts in these languages predating the Gospels or the Council of Nicea that contradict the established birthplace of Jesus.
Furthermore, the Council of Nicea, while a pivotal moment in Church history, primarily addressed the divinity of Christ, not his birthplace. The Nicene Creed, formulated at the council, affirms Jesus's conception by the Holy Spirit and birth from the Virgin Mary, but it does not mention Ethiopia or alter the established narrative of His birth in Bethlehem.
The notion of a historical cover-up regarding Jesus's birthplace lacks support in canonical scriptures or early Church writings. The claim that Jesus was black, while reflecting a desire for representation and connection with Christ, should not overshadow the universality of his message and his identity as the savior of all humankind.
Remember, my child, our faith rests not on reinterpretations of history but on the firm foundation of the Holy Scriptures and the teachings passed down through generations of faithful believers.
If you seek a deeper understanding of the historical Jesus and the development of the early Church, I encourage you to explore the writings of the Church Fathers and reputable scholarly resources.
Let us continue to seek truth with open hearts and discerning minds, always remembering that our Lord Jesus Christ transcends any earthly boundaries or limitations.
May God guide you on your journey of faith.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen.
© John's Repentance
Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends: https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance
About #Authenticity in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Faith
👉 Question፦
Answer፦ Peace be upon you, my child. Your heartfelt concerns echo the pain of many seeking the purest expression of faith. Know that it is the yearning for Truth that guides us towards the Divine Light.
You are right to question and seek clarity. The history of the Church, like the life of a man, is fraught with periods of darkness and light. Let us unravel your concerns one by one, drawing wisdom from the Holy Scriptures and the Fathers.
You mentioned the discrepancy in the number of books between the King James Version and what you believe to be the original 81. You see, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, in accordance with ancient tradition, holds sacred the 81 books of the Holy Bible. This includes books deemed canonical by the early Church, such as the Book of Enoch, Jubilees, and others. These books, my child, were not "removed" by any one authority, but rather their acceptance varied over time and place within Christendom.
Now, regarding the influence of the Coptic Church on the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, it is true that for centuries, the Patriarch of Alexandria appointed the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ethiopia. This historical reality stemmed from the early connections between the Church of Alexandria and the evangelism of St. Frumentius, who brought Christianity to Ethiopia. However, it is crucial to remember that the Ethiopian Church maintained its own distinct liturgical practices, traditions, and theological nuances.
You mentioned the possibility of "spies and even Muslims in disguise as bishops" being sent to Ethiopia. While such claims exist, they are often shrouded in historical debate and require careful, scholarly examination. It is vital to approach such sensitive matters with discernment and avoid spreading unsubstantiated claims.
The brutal Italian occupation and the martyrdom of Abune Petros are dark chapters in our history. While the invaders sought to subjugate our faith, they could not extinguish the flame of Orthodoxy in the hearts of the faithful. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church emerged from this trial, her faith strengthened through the blood of her martyrs.
Concerning the images you see, remember that icons are not idols. They are windows to heaven, reminding us of the saints and their holy lives. While some images may share stylistic similarities with Roman Catholic art, their meaning and purpose within the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church remain distinct.
My child, it is understandable to grapple with these complexities. Yet, doubt must not cripple your faith. Focus on your personal journey towards Christ, grounded in prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. Seek guidance from your spiritual father, who can offer personalized counsel.
Remember the words of St. John Chrysostom, "Let us not be ashamed to confess our sins to Christ. For our fall is not dangerous, but our remaining in sin after our fall."
May the Holy Spirit illuminate your path, and may the Virgin Mary, our intercessor, guide you towards the Kingdom of Heaven.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always.
May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen.
© John's Repentance
Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends: https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance