Monk in Town


Monks and Monasteries Play an important role in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church since the beginning of Christianity in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is one of the first countries to accept Christianity. Christianity became a state religion at the time of Emperor Ezana in the 4th Century and it continued to be the state religion until the last of the Solomonic Danistey's Emperor was deposed in 1974. Throughout these centuries monks had and still have a unique role in the tradition of  Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity.  Monestries can be found in different part of the countries from cliff caves to lake islands. Often monasteries are founded in very remote and inaccessible part of the country to keep the monks away from civilization and from worldly temptations. A Monks is revered as an example of pious individuals who gave up the material world for the love of God. Monks are seen as Prophets too because society sees them as people who are very close to God.  Sometimes Monks wander into cities and towns and preach and urge people to repent. Whenever a Monk preaches people listen for every word that the monks say trying to find meaning and some kind of prophecy about the future.


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