Abuna

/əˈbuːnə/ noun

Definition

A title for the Coptic patriarch or head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, meaning 'our father.'

Etymology

From Amharic and Ge'ez languages, derived from Arabic 'abu' (father) + 'na' (our); a religious title dating back to early Christian traditions in East Africa.

Kelly Says

The Abuna held almost absolute spiritual authority in Ethiopia for centuries, sometimes exceeding the emperor's power, making this simple title representing one of Christianity's most ancient and continuous traditions.

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