(Ezra Ejigu tewedaje Media)
Two books written by Dr. Mengistu Gobezie, focusing on the history, heritage, and national contribution of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, will be launched on Sunday, December 19, 2018(Dec 28,2025, at the Ghion Hotel Grounds. The books are written in English.
The books are titled “The Church and the Crown in Ethiopia: A Historical Journey” and “The Legacy of Faith and Heritage: The Historic Church of Ethiopia.” Dr. Mengistu told tewedaje Media that the original plan was to prepare a single book, but due to the large volume of the manuscript—approaching one thousand pages—it was divided into two volumes.
He also explained that writing the books took more than three years.
According to the author, the first book presents a comprehensive account of the history of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church from the pre-Christian era up to 2024, and explores its long-standing relationship with the state. He made this statement while speaking from Sweden.
The second book, he said, covers the identity of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, its foundational beliefs, liturgical practices, heritage, national contributions, and related issues.
Explaining the motivation behind publishing the books, Dr. Mengistu stated that there is strong interest and curiosity in various parts of Europe to learn about and understand the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
In addition, he noted that the preparation of these books was essential due to the lack of sufficient materials written in foreign languages for non-Ethiopians who wish to join the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church or who have already become members, in order to help them understand the Church.
It was also stated that the books will help correct certain distorted and inaccurate perceptions about the Ethiopian Church. The books are said to provide appropriate responses and clear understanding to historical questions and controversies related to Ethiopian history and the history of the Ethiopian Church.
The author further explained that many descendants of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians living abroad, who do not have sufficient proficiency in Amharic, will be better able to understand their Church.
When asked what distinguishes these books from previously published works related to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the author listed the following points:
They include a wide range of topics, both in scope and content;
They cover a long historical period, from the pre-Christian era to 2024;
They are presented in an academic research format, containing numerous footnotes and references, making them useful both for researchers and general readers;
They provide explanations for controversial issues related to the history of the Ethiopian Church;
In addition to Church history, they create an opportunity to gain substantial understanding of Ethiopian history and heritage.
The author of the books, Dr. Mengistu Gobezie, is a distinguished scholar who has studied and conducted research in history, archaeology, heritage management, and tourism.
He pursued his higher education at Addis Ababa University, the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and Lund University in Sweden.
He has served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Management at Addis Ababa University.
He completed his research fellowship at the Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies, in Florence, Italy.
He has written seven books in the fields of history, heritage management, and tourism, and served as coordinator of the Ethiopia–France Lalibela Heritage Conservation Project.
He also made significant contributions to the establishment of the Lalibela Heritage Conservation and Tourism Research Institute.
Dr. Mengistu served as Director of the Research Center of Mahibere Kidusan.
He currently provides voluntary priestly services at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church of Debre Mewi St. Michael in Lund, Sweden.
As an institution working on history and communication, tewedaje Media and Communication has been entrusted by the author with the responsibility of promoting the book and providing appropriate information. It has been confirmed that it will serve as the sole media partner and source of information to raise awareness about the books.
I am deeply grateful to Ezra Ejigu and his Tewdaj Media. I sincerely appreciate his significant contributions in the field of communication, as well as his outstanding authorship and his efforts in recognizing and promoting authors.
Dr mengistu thank you ,for your encouraging words .It means a lot to us.