Saint of the Day ~ October 27

SAINT FRUMENTIUS of ETHIOPIA (early 4^th century-c.383)
Bishop, Patron saint of Ethiopia

Today, the Church honors Saint Frumentius, known as the “Apostle of Ethiopia”, who was instrumental in bringing Christianity to Ethiopia and converting many in the country to accepting the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Frumentius was born in Lebanon near the early part of the 4^th century. While still a boy, and while voyaging with his uncle and his brother on the Red Sea, they became shipwrecked. According to the account, only Frumentius and his brother, Aedeius, survived what is believed to have been a massacre of everyone onboard the ship by the local natives.

The brothers were taken to the king at Axum, Ethiopia, and became members of the court, possibly as servants. When the king died, the two brothers stayed on as part of the queen’s court. As they grew in age, the queen permitted them to introduce Christianity to the country, as well as opening up trade between Ethiopia and the west.

In time, Frumentius convinced Saint Athanasius, Patriarch of Alexandria to send missionaries from Alexandria, Egypt, and was himself consecrated as bishop of Ethiopia by the saint about the year 340.

He was known to have converted many, including the tribal princes; and through Frumentius’ influence, Christianity established a firm and lasting foothold in Ethiopia.

Bishop Frumentius died about the year 383 from natural causes, fulfilling his calling as the “Apostle of Ethiopia”.

We commemorate his feastday on October 27.

(From catholicnewsagency.com, saints.sqpn.com, catholicculture.org, newadvent.org and vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii)

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PRAYER

(The following prayer is from the Roman Breviary from the Commons for Pastors ~ bishop)

“Lord God, You counted Saint Frumentius among Your holy pastors, renowned for faith and love which conquered evil in this world. By the help of his prayers, keep us strong in faith and love and let us come to share his glory.

“Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”