Anyone connected with Copts in Ethiopia?
I've applied for a two week post there at the end of this summer, teaching advanced translation theory and textual criticism to Bible translators on the field. Apparently there are a good number of local tribes there who don't have a Bible in their own language.
I'm assuming that there is some kind of connection between the Coptic church and the Church in Ethiopia, or that there might be a Coptic population in Ethiopia.
Also, if anyone has relatives who can provide low cost tours.... :D
Comments
They both share the same theological positions, and have a very close relationship, that was recently strained, but now thanks to the Grace of God has returned almost to its original form.
Addis Ababa, April 14, 2008 (Addis Ababa) - The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church and the Coptic Church of Alexandria signed an agreement that would enable them to activate the 1994 protocol deceleration previously reached by the churches.
It was indicated that the declaration stressed and acknowledges independence of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and is aimed at further strengthening the cooperation between the two churches.
His Holiness Abune Paulos Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Church (EOC) and His Holiness Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark signed the agreement on Sunday.
In a press conference the religious fathers gave to journalists that the visit of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III up on the invitation of His Holiness Abune Paulo was fruitful and effective.
At the occasion, both churches expressed their readiness and commitment to enhance the long-standing religious ties between Egypt and Ethiopia.
They said both churches said that they fully respect the 1994 protocol deceleration and underlined that it is time for practical application of the protocol.
Pope Shenouda III on the occasion said the meeting of the two churches after along time is said to be a beginning of new era for further cooperation.
Abune Paulos patriarch of EOC also said the visit of Pope Shenouda III and signing of such an agreement is a great deal for both countries and is a useful message for peace loving people in the world.
Both religious fathers urged the clergy to activate and respect the protocol, which was approved by both synods and signed by patriarchs of the churches.
The Coptic Church of Alexandria used to send Patriarchs to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church until 1951 E.C when the first Ethiopian patriarch was appointed.
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III was on an official visit from April 11-13, 2008 that comes 34 years after his first visit in 1973.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency http://www.ena.gov.et/EnglishNews/2008/Apr/14Apr08/55354.htm