12 Facts About Frumentius

Frumentius was a Phoenician Christian missionary and the first bishop of Axum who brought Christianity to the Kingdom of Aksum.

Frumentius is sometimes known by other names, such as Abuna and Aba Salama.

Frumentius was a native of Phoenicia, born in Tyre, modern day Lebanon.

Frumentius freed them shortly before his death, and they were invited to educate his young heir.

Later, Frumentius traveled to Alexandria, Egypt, where he appealed to have a bishop appointed and missionary priests sent south to Axum.

Frumentius's appointment began a tradition that the Patriarch of Alexandria appoint the bishops of Ethiopia.

Frumentius returned to Ethiopia, where he erected his episcopal see at Axum, then converted and baptized King Ezana, who built many churches and spread Christianity throughout Ethiopia.

Frumentius established the first monastery of Ethiopia, called Dabba Selama in Dogu'a Tembien.

Frumentius became the first Abune, a title given to the head of the Ethiopian Church.

Frumentius had been appointed by Athanasius, a leading opponent of Arianism.

Frumentius is regarded as the patron saint of the former Kingdom of Aksum, and its contemporary territories.

Frumentius is the patron saint of St Frumentius Theological College, the Tigrayan Seminary in Ethiopia.