Saint Frumentius
Saint Frumentius, a Syrian student, is notable for his significant role in the introduction of Christianity to Ethiopia, which is recognized as Africa's only historically Christian nation. Originally en route to India, he and his brother were captured by pirates and brought to the court of the queen regent of Axum, where they became court administrators and tutors for Prince Ezana. They introduced Christianity to Ezana, linking the new faith with economic prosperity by supporting Christian merchants and enhancing trade connections with Greece and Rome. Following Ezana's ascension to the throne, Frumentius traveled to Alexandria to seek a bishop for Axum but was instead ordained by Saint Athanasius himself around 333 CE. Through his dynamic preaching and pastoral care, Frumentius effectively led the conversion of Ethiopia to orthodox Christianity. His influence persisted despite challenges from Arianism, particularly from Emperor Constantius II in 356 CE. Frumentius is venerated as a saint in both the Ethiopian and Catholic Churches, with his feast day celebrated on October 27.
Saint Frumentius
Related civilizations: Axum/Abyssinia, Arabia
Major role/position: Religious figure
Life
Saint Frumentius (frew-MEHN-shee-uhs) was a Syrian student en route to India with his master when pirates hijacked their ship. He and his brother were brought as slaves to the court of the queen regent of Axum, the founding state of Ethiopia. The two brothers became court administrators and tutors for Prince Ezana, to whom they introduced Christianity. As administrators, they supported Christian merchants and increased trade with Greece and Rome, thus identifying economic prosperity with the new faith.
When Ezana came to the throne, tradition says that Frumentius went to Alexandria to plea for a bishop for Axum, but the patriarch Saint Athanasius of Alexandria instead ordained Frumentius himself around 333 c.e. By dint of forceful preaching and pastoral care, Frumentius succeeded in converting the country to orthodox Christianity. His credentials were challenged in 356 c.e. by Emperor Constantius II, who was pro-Arian, an indication of the importance of the young Ethiopian Church. The Ethiopians remained faithful to Athanasius and orthodoxy, however.
Influence
Frumentius introduced Christianity to Ethiopia, Africa’s only historically Christian nation, and cemented its ties with Egypt and the West. He is recognized as a saint by both the Ethiopian and Catholic Churches. His feast day is October 27.
Bibliography
Baur, John. Two Thousand Years of Christianity in Africa. Nairobi, Kenya: Paulines, 1998.
Brown, C. F. The Conversion Experience in Axum During the Fourth and Fifth Centuries. Washington, D.C.: Howard University Press, 1973.