Worthy Admission to the Eucharist

Acknowledgments

I am pleased to announce the publication of my dissertation, which received approval from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2022, and has now been released with Peter Lang. It is a significant achievement that would not have been possible without the support of numerous individuals and institutions. At the forefront of my acknowledgments is my dedicated advisor, Professor Joel Elowsky, whose professional comments, ideas, and profound insights were instrumental in shaping this study. His intellectual excellence and personal experience with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s tradition and religious practices have been invaluable.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the distinguished members of my dissertation committee, namely, Dr. Mark Seifrid and Dr. Abjar Bahkou. I also acknowledge the pivotal roles played by the graduate school directors and editors, Dr. Beth Hoeltke, Dr. Kevin Armbrust, and Dr. Kristen Einertson. Their constructive contributions have significantly enriched the quality and depth of this work, and I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering support throughout the research and writing process.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Concordia Seminary and its administration for providing me with a generous scholarship, which has been instrumental in my academic journey. The Concordia Seminary world-class library and its dedicated staff, particularly Donna Church and Natalie Whitaker, deserve special recognition for their unwavering support in accessing crucial resources.

My journey would not have been possible without the kind assistance of the Institute for Classical Christian Studies (ICCS), whose generous support has been a cornerstone of my academic pursuits. I am also deeply grateful for the support and encouragement of the Mekane Yesus Seminar administration, with heartfelt thanks to Rev. Dr. Bruk, the President of Mekane Yesus Seminary (MYS), and the leadership of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY).

Last but certainly not least, I want to express my profound gratitude to my wife, Eyerusalem Molla, and my three children, Nathnael, Lillian, and Bethel. Despite being separated for over six years and the significant responsibilities my wife shouldered in caring for our entire family, their unwavering love and commitment have been my greatest source of strength. I thank God for bringing them into my life.

In conclusion, I hope that this scholarly endeavor serves as a beacon of knowledge and understanding within the EOTC and beyond. My earnest desire is that it fosters a spirit of inclusivity, reverence, and sanctity within the Church and contributes to a deeper appreciation of the Eucharistic practice. My deepest thanks go out to all those mentioned, as well as countless others who have been a part of this incredible journey.

Abbreviations

Glossary

Abyssinia: Ancient name of Ethiopia

Qeddassé: It literally means – Liturgy, hallowing, thanksgiving

Chapter One General Introduction

This book provides a thorough analysis of the historical, contextual, exegetical, and theological understandings of the Greek term ἀναξίως in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo1 Church (EOTC). It explores the broader context of the Church and its relationship to Judaism as well as analyzes the selected anaphoras of the early Church Fathers as presented in the Qeddassé [The Liturgy], the Fetha Negast [the Legislation of Kings], and the biblical interpretive tradition of the Church as preserved in the Andemta Commentary (AC) corpus.

The evidence suggests that the EOTC’s Eucharistic Liturgy, expressed in its Ethiopian commentary tradition, is derived from Old Testament Judaism and the early Church Fathers’ anaphoras. This ancient tradition has significantly influenced the Church, potentially shifting the focus from the grace and mutual care emphasized in 1 Cor. 11:27−29 to a concentration on regulations that may limit participation in the Eucharistic life of the EOTC, akin to how Old Testament prescriptions established boundaries around the sacrificial system practiced by the Israelites. The primary objective of this investigation is to address a significant gap in existing studies within the field of exegesis history. It seeks to offer a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the EOTC’s interpretation of ἀναξίως, aiming to enhance understanding and foster a more inclusive approach to the Eucharist.

This study also functions as a compelling admonition to all members of the Church to contemplate their appropriate engagement in the Eucharist. Through an examination of the historical backdrop of 1 Cor. 11:27−29, coupled with an exploration of the syntax and overarching Eucharistic principles found in the Sacred Scriptures, it provides a more suitable interpretation and practical implementation of the term ἀναξίως than the prevailing understanding within the EOTC. While acknowledging the importance of the Church’s ancient tradition in elevating the sanctity of the Eucharist and promoting careful and sincere preparation before participation, it also highlights the inadvertent repercussions of specific terminologies and expressions employed in the Church’s literature that have resulted in perhaps unintentional barriers to participation in the sacrament. Due consideration is also lacking in terms of the principles of the new covenant, which in actuality promote our participation in Christ in the sacrament. This study invites serious reflection and perhaps even implementation of suggested changes in the EOTC’s engagement with the Eucharist to maintain the sanctity and reverence of this sacred sacrament while also encouraging increased participation by the laity in order to receive all that Christ has to offer in this Blessed Sacrament.