PREFACE
It is written in the Holy Scripture and world literature that Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world to have survived as a sovereign state for thousands of years. So, the Ethiopians were the only Black Nation in history to have never succumbed to slavery or colonial rule. Several Colonial Powers tried about 27 times to conquer Ethiopia, but failed each time. Whereas, they easily defeated all other African tribes and empires. What makes Ethiopia so special, among all African countries? In the Holy Bible, a certain nation called Ethiopia is described in Isaiah 18:2 as "a nation tall and smooth-skinned a people feared near and far, a nation mighty and conquering." Ethiopia is renowned for her old civilizations and is also proud of being one of the first countries to accept Christ and Christianity. In spite of this, the country in the last few centuries has remained at the bottom of the ladder of civilization, entangled in all sorts of political, social and economical problems. According to the history of Christianity, the only person who asked, "what is to prevent me from being baptized?" is an Ethiopian. The Apostle Philip said, "If you heartily believe it is permitted." The Ethiopian replied. "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." (Act. 8:37-38).
This is the prayer that the world who believes in the Holy Trinity and the Savior Jesus Christ makes during baptism. It was the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church who offered this formula to the world.
In another respect, the histories of almost all the countries in the world were written only by men of the world, whereas the history of Ethiopia, in addition, has been written, in the Holy Bible, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For example, when the Ethiopian eunuch introduced Christianity in 35 AD to the Ethiopian people, St. Peter and St. Mark had not yet made their apostolic journeys to Rome and Alexandria.
Above all, Ethiopia is best known for being a country that worships the true God for thousands of years. The word of God has affirmed this saying, "Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands to God" (PS 68:31) Again," Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots (Jer 13:23). Before, 750 B.C there was: a record in the. book of Amos: "Are you not as children of Ethiopian unto me, O children of Israel?" (Amos. 9:7).
Therefore, it was not only because of her natural resources that foreign powers were jealous of Ethiopia, it was also because of her spiritual heritages; that they were• jealous. They have tried many times to challenge her freedom, Orthodox Tewahedo religion, national unity and territorial integrity. However, Ethiopia is devoted' to God, and that God laves- Ethiopia, it has remained a revered and respected country.
The co-existence of the people of Ethiopia, who inhabit the highlands, the temperate zones and the lowlands, is based on religions, virtues, cultures, languages, fraternities and unity.
This is a developed and ancient Ethiopianism! So to say, the present generation must safeguard its freedom, Orthodox Tewahido Christianity and territorial integrity. These are the cardinal signs of its identities, which were handed over from the ancestorial forefathers. But, if the present generation does not keep the historical responsibilities in order, then the saying goes, it would be what the father builds, the son destroys.
Therefore, Ethiopia does not need human testimonies for her historical existence. Is it not then that the testimony of God is far greater than that of man? So, Ethiopia is termed' as "the land of God" and the Ethiopians as "the people God."
"Ethiopia is a mystery in the hands of God" (Emperor Haile Selassie I).
Thanks be to God!
K.K.M |
