Abuna
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2008-06-02T16:36:00Z
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{{Unreferenced|date=January 2008}}
'''''Abun''''' (in Europe erronously known as '''''Abuna''''' , which is the status constructus form used when a name follows: [[Ge'ez alphabet|Ge'ez]] አቡነ ''’abuna''/''abune'', 'our father'; [[Amharic language|Amh.]], [[Tigrinya language|Tgn.]]) is the title of the [[metropolitan bishop]] or head of the [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]]. When referred to without a following name, it is ''Abun'', and if a name follows, it becomes ''Abuna ...'' (e.g., ''Abuna Pawlos'').
Historically the ''Abun'' of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tawahedo Church was selected by the [[Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria|Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa]], who was the leader of the [[Coptic Orthodox Church]] and also had diocesian authority over [[Ethiopia]] and other parts of [[Africa]], who would appoint one of his monks to this post. As a result, a number of years might pass between successors, and due to a lack of knowledge of the native languages the ''Abun'' had a minimal influence on both Ethiopian religion and politics.
Visitors to Ethiopia at this time, such as [[Francisco Álvares]] in the 16th century and Remedius Prutky in the 18th century, were amazed at the mass ordination of [[deacon]]s and [[priest]]s with little more than a wave of the cross and a prayer -- which was the ''Abun'''s principal duty.
After many centuries, the Coptic and Ethiopian Churches reached an agreement ([[13 July]] [[1948]]) that led to the promotion of the Ethiopian church to the rank of an [[autocephaly|autocephalous]] [[Patriarch]]ate. Five bishops were immediately consecrated by the Coptic Orthodox Pope of Alexandria, empowered to elect a new Patriarch for their church, and the successor to [[Abuna Qerellos IV]] would have the power to consecrate new bishops. The first native Christian to become patriarch was [[Abuna Basilios]], who was consecrated [[14 January]] [[1951]].{{Fact|date=February 2008}} <!------year incorrect?--------->
The current ''Abuna'' of Ethiopia is [[Abune Paulos]].
'''''Abuna''''' ([[Arabic alphabet|Arabic]]: أبونا ''’abūnā'', literally 'our father') is also a title used among Arabic-speaking Christians to refer to a [[priest]]. The title is used either by itself, or with the priest's given name, for example 'Abuna Tuma' for 'Father Thomas'. This title is not used in self-reference, rather the priest would refer to himself as ''al-Ab'' (الأب ''al-’ab'', literally 'the father').
== See also ==
*[[Ethiopian aristocratic and religious titles]]
*[[List of Abunas]]
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[[Category:Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]]
[[Category:Primates of Ethiopia| ]]
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