Ethiopian Orthodox Tehadeso Church

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According to its followers, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tehadeso Church (Amharic የኢትዮጵያ ኦርቶዶክስ ተሃድሶ ቤተክርስትያን) stands to preserve the country's orthodox traditions while believing in the full Gospel of the scripture. Most of its members reside in Oromia Region of Ethiopia, however it has several members (migrants) globally. Since most of its members were former traditional Orthodox, some believe this reformed form of Orthodox will mend relationships between Orthodox Christians and P'ent'ay Christians in Ethiopia.

[edit] Beliefs

Orthodox Tehadeso members believe one must be saved by believing in Jesus as Lord and Saviour for the forgiveness of sins. They believe in God (Egziabhér) the Father, Almighty and eternal, Creator of all things. They believe in Jesus Christ (Eyesus), Son of God, that he was born of the Virgin Mary (Mariam), that he died for the sins of humans and rose from the dead, ascended to heaven to the right hand of the Father interceding for all human beings with the promise of coming back again in his mighty and glory. They believe in the Holy Spirit (Menfes Qeddus) who indwells and strengthens the followers and gives spiritual gifts as well as comforts.

They resemble the Mekane Yesus Church in their strict teachings, but they are mostly Charismatic in their worship. In this regard, they have the most similarity to the Mulu Wongel Church of Ethiopia.

[edit] Origins

Ethiopian Orthodox Tehadeso churches differentiate themselves from the rest of Protestant churches due to their origin. They believe they are like the original, ancient Orthodox worshipers. However they emphasise the message of the Gospel instead of the ritual-based worship and faith which they believe the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church practices. In fact, Orthodox Tehadeso members believe their form of Orthodoxy is the "real Orthodoxy." They don't provide evidence to their claim; however, they explain the relationship between tradition and faith. They suggest their faith is complemented by the Orthodox tradition, but in contrast to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, tradition does not dictate their faith. Accordingly, they are very strict in their lifestyle shown by their precise obedience to the rules in the Old and New Testaments.

With their members consisting of former traditional Ethiopian Orthodox adherents including orthodox Menokosat and Kasoch (monks and priests), they worship in Orthodox-like buildings and use similar musical instruments. Yet their beliefs resemble that of the different Ethiopian P'ent'ay churches, the Pentecostal and evangelical churches found in the country.

[edit] References

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