Abyssinian Christianity

The Rev. Mario Alexis Portella and Abba Abraham Buruk Woldegaber have written a noteworthy and most fascinating book describing the ancient religious culture of the Ethiopian and Eritrean people. This remarkable book is well researched and manages to ably destroy a number of prejudices we had hitherto unjustly harboured - especially against Pope Pius XI. This is a must for all enthusiasts of Orientai Christianity.

- H.I.H. Lij (Prince) Asfa-Wossen Asserate, Ph.D. Honorary Senator of the University of Hibingen

Ethiopia is the only nation on the African continent to have never come under the direct rule of western colonialism, at least not until the ltalian Fascist aggression of 1935. Throughout their historical development, the indigenous people of present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea were able to refer to a common heritage based on the Christian faith, which enabled them to come together in order to preserve the dignity of their nation. Their Christian observance at times incorporated the practice of Jewish rituals and disciplines, thereby making it a most unique form of Christianity. Abyssinian Christianity explores this unique and multi-faceted culture that still entices many today.

Abba Abraham Buruk Woldegaber, O. Cist. is a Cistercian monk trom Asmara, Eritrea. He was Director of the Cistercian Technical School in Mendida, Ethiopia and Prefect of Philosophy and Theology, as well as Rector of the Cistercian Minor Seminary in Asmara.

Mario Alexis Portella is a priest at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence and is a Doctorate candidate in Canon Law at the Pontificai Lateran University in Rome. He received his Bachelor Degree in Government and Politics at St. John's University, where he taught as an Associate Professor. In addition, he holds a Master of Art in Medieval History from Fordham University.