How does the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church compare to other churches?

[DeusExMachina]

I imagine it is very similar to other “apostolic” churches like the RCC, Eastern, Orthodox, Coptic, Armenian, perhaps even being similar to more “ceremonial” Protestants like Anglicans and Lutherans.

Nonetheless, I’d like to ask: how are their beliefs and liturgical practices similar/ different from those churches listed above? Do they believe in the Real Presence, recognize saints days Marian Dogmas, or the efficacy of the sacraments? In other words, do they share in the catholic faith of the undivided church?

Also, what is with their Bible canon? I’ve never even heard of the Book of Joseph, the Book of Enoch, or Ethiopian Clement. Why do they have so many unique books?

Information from anyone familiar with the Ethiopian church is much appreciated.


In Christ,
DeusExMachina

 

[RCTechGeek]

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church started out as being under the patronage and leadership of the Coptic church (until around 1950), so the Ethiopian church pretty much has the same stuff (like feast days) as the Coptic church does except for their own hierarchy and different liturgical language (and maybe some traditions too). Although the Ethiopian church wasn’t part of the pentarchy, it still is one of the oldest Christian churches in existence. Like the Coptic church, it has all seven sacraments and is also part of Oriental Orthodoxy. As such, it supported miaphysitism and broke communion with the other non-Oriental Orthodox churches due to the results of the miaphysite vs diphysite discussion at the council of Chalcedon.

As for their choices of biblical canon, I am not sure on that one. The book of Enoch I have heard of, but I have not heard of the others.

 

[SyroMalankara]

I imagine it is very similar to other “apostolic” churches like the RCC, Eastern, Orthodox, Coptic, Armenian, perhaps even being similar to more “ceremonial” Protestants like Anglicans and Lutherans.

Nonetheless, I’d like to ask: how are their beliefs and liturgical practices similar/ different from those churches listed above? Do they believe in the Real Presence, recognize saints days Marian Dogmas, or the efficacy of the sacraments? In other words, do they share in the catholic faith of the undivided church?

Also, what is with their Bible canon? I’ve never even heard of the Book of Joseph, the Book of Enoch, or Ethiopian Clement. Why do they have so many unique books?

Information from anyone familiar with the Ethiopian church is much appreciated.


In Christ,
DeusExMachina

The Ethiopian Canon is the largest in Christendom, but that doesnt mean all books are equal for all things. The Church is Oriental Orthodox and miaphysite in Christology, making them perfectly acceptable for a Catholic to attend if one is blessed with the opportunity. Also, some of the kindest faithful Christians I have met.

 

[DeusExMachina]

The Ethiopian Canon is the largest in Christendom, but that doesnt mean all books are equal for all things. The Church is Oriental Orthodox and miaphysite in Christology, making them perfectly acceptable for a Catholic to attend if one is blessed with the opportunity. Also, some of the kindest faithful Christians I have met.

How are the books “not equal for all things??”