Ethiopian Orthodox churches are unique for strongly emphasizing certain Old Testament laws such as dietary restrictions, for performing exorcisms, and for using a now-extinct language, Ge’ez, for official liturgical purposes. They also prescribe specific rules for who may receive communion and dedicate their church buildings to patron saints. Membership of this denomination is estimated at more than 40 million.
The Oriental Orthodox Church split from mainline Christianity after the Council of Chalcedon. Prior to Chalcedon, councils such as Nicea, Constantinople, and Ephesus had defined the orthodox view of Christ’s divinity
Tradition says that Enoch wrote three books, including the separate works 2 Enoch and 3 Enoch. However, neither 2 Enoch nor 3 Enoch are generally accepted as canonical scripture by Jewish or Christian authorities. The oldest parts of I Enoch (primarily the Book of the Watchers) are thought to have been written between 300 and 200 BC, and the newest part (the Book of Parables) was probably written around 100 BC.
The Book of Enoch was known to Jews and early Near Eastern Christians, according to a number of Aramaic fragments discovered in the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as Koine Greek and Latin fragments.
Ethiopian Orthodox Churches are notable for their strong adherence to many Old Testament practices, including restrictions on pork and other non-kosher foods. They also heavily emphasize certain feast and fast days. Worshipers are expected to remove their shoes prior to entering a church building. Women are seated separately from men and may not enter during their menstrual period. Ethiopian Orthodox churches are each devoted to a patron saint and frequently pray to him/her, as well as to Mary.
