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Ethiopian Orthodox Churches Near Me

If you are looking for an Ethiopian Orthodox church near you, you are seeking one of the most ancient living traditions in all of Christianity. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and its close kin the Eritrean Orthodox Church, carry a faith reaching back some seventeen centuries, with its own scriptures, fasts, and the ancient Ge'ez language in worship. Wherever the Ethiopian and Eritrean diaspora has settled, these communities have taken root, and you are welcome to find one near you.

An ancient faith, carried far

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is one of the ancient Oriental Orthodox churches, alongside the Copts of Egypt and the Armenians. Ethiopia embraced Christianity in the fourth century, and the faith has been kept there unbroken ever since. As Ethiopians and Eritreans have settled in cities across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, they have built churches that keep the full beauty of this tradition: the long fasts, the chanting in Ge'ez, the deacons and the drums, the deep reverence.

“And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
Acts 8:37

For the Habesha diaspora, these churches are a home and an anchor. Visitors seeking to understand this ancient stream of the faith are received with grace.

Find community

The living story behind the Ethiopian church:

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Meet Jesus in your language

The Gospel has never belonged to one nation or one tongue. From the first day the Spirit came, people heard the wonderful works of God each in their own language, and that is still the heart of the church. Wherever you are, and whatever words you pray in, Jesus draws near.

“Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.”
Acts 2:6

More languages are opening over time. If your language is not here yet, the Gospel of John and an honest prayer in your own words are a good place to begin.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find an Ethiopian Orthodox church near me?
Use the church finder to search for communities near you. In many cities Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo and Eritrean Orthodox congregations gather, keeping the ancient liturgy, often in Ge'ez and Amharic, and welcome visitors.
What is the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?
It is one of the ancient Oriental Orthodox churches, tracing to Ethiopia's embrace of Christianity in the fourth century. It keeps a distinctive life of long fasts, worship in the ancient Ge'ez language, and deep reverence.
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Come and see

One Body, many nations, many languages, many communities, and one Lord. Whatever land you are in, the same Jesus who has been loved across the earth for two thousand years still draws near to anyone who comes to him with an open heart. You do not have to have it all figured out. Read his own words, and find people near you who walk with him. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to begin, and it costs you nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

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Jesus Christ is Lord.

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