Why the Eritrean Orthodox Church observes ancient traditions that mirror Judaism and Islam

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church is a unique branch of Christianity that maintains practices often absent in Western denominations. From observing the seventh-day Sabbath to specific dietary and purity customs, this ancient institution bridges the gap between early Christian history and cultural traditions that feel remarkably familiar to other faiths.

The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, headquartered in Asmara, belongs to the Oriental Orthodox communion. This group traces its theological roots to the 451 AD Council of Chalcedon, where bishops from Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem rejected the doctrine of Christ's two natures. Instead, they adopted a miaphysite Christology, emphasizing that Christ's divinity and humanity are unified—a concept reflected in the name Tewahedo, meaning being made one.

The church is notable for its heavy emphasis on Old Testament practices. Members often observe both Saturday and Sunday as holy days, remove their shoes before entering the temple to honor sacred ground, and follow specific dietary restrictions. Furthermore, the church maintains strict gender separation during services and requires women to cover their hair. While these customs share similarities with Orthodox Judaism and Islam, the church clarifies that practices like male circumcision are cultural traditions rather than religious requirements.

Since gaining autocephaly in 1993, the church has navigated a turbulent political landscape. Its leadership has faced significant internal conflict, including the controversial deposition and house arrest of the third patriarch, Abune Antonios, in 2006. Despite these upheavals, the church continues to preserve a distinct 81-book biblical canon and a liturgical tradition that is gradually shifting from the ancient Ge'ez language to the modern local language, Tigrinya.

The church maintains a profound belief in the real presence of Christ within the Eucharist, teaching that the bread and wine are truly transformed into the body and blood of the Lord. This sacramental life, alongside the observance of seven core sacraments, remains central to the faith. Today, the institution continues to evolve under its sixth patriarch, Abune Basilyos, who was elected in December 2024.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Eritrea's religious landscape is a complex, contested mix of ancient tradition and state control.
• How Ethiopia Became a Spiritual Crossroads for Christianity, Islam, and Ancient Traditions
• Martin Luther saw Ethiopia's ancient church as a forerunner of Protestantism
• The ancient Egyptian church that survived empires and theological schisms
• The ancient Christian communion divided by a single word
• Was Escondido's name a reference to hidden water or hidden treasure?
• The surrogate father of a town built on football
• How a shadowy Iranian commander navigated decades of regional conflict and persistent rumors
• Erbil's citadel crowns one of the world's oldest lived-in cities
• Essex: From Iron Age Tribal Stronghold to the Heart of England's Medieval Rebellions
• The 'Vulgar Era' was born from daily drives through Hollywood
• Why a phonetic pronunciation of two letters became a global oil empire

More in Cities · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics