Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — In a hidden library deep within the walls of a centuries-old Ethiopian monastery, historians have uncovered a collection of psalms and hymns that date back to the 4th century. These texts, written in Ge’ez and accompanied by vibrant illustrations, offer a glimpse into the spiritual practices of early Ethiopian Christians.
Unlike the psalms commonly found in Western Christian traditions, these hymns include additional verses emphasizing themes of communal worship, repentance, and reconciliation. The collection also contains musical annotations, suggesting how these psalms were sung during services.
“This discovery is a treasure for Christianity,” said Dr. Meseret Abebe, a historian who specializes in African Christianity. “It highlights Ethiopia’s unique contribution to the faith and its rich liturgical tradition.”
Plans are underway to digitize the manuscripts and share them with the global Christian community.
