Also known as
    Apostle to Ethiopia
    Abuna of Ethiopia
    Father of Ethiopia
    Fremonat

Memorial
    27 October

Profile
    Brother of Saint Aedeius. Student of the philosopher Meropius. While on a voyage on the Red Sea, the ship wrecked on the Ethiopian shore, and only Frumentius and Aedeius survived. They were taken to the king at Axum as a curiosity, and became members of the court, Frumentius serving as secretary. When the king died they stayed as part of the queen's court. She permitted them to introduce Christianity to the country, and open trade between Ethiopia and the west. Frumentius convinced Saint Athanasius to send missionaries from Alexandria, and was himself consecrated as bishop of Ethiopia. Converted many, including the princes Ezana and Sheazana, and established a firm foothold in Ethiopia for the faith.

Born
    at Tyre (modern Sur, Lebanon)

Died
    c.380 in Ethiopia of natural causes

Patronage
    Abyssinia
    Ethiopia