Exploring Theological Themes in the Ethiopic Hagiographic Literature: The Vita of Saint Mark the Evangelist in Reference

Аннотация

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Täwaḥǝdo tradition, hagiographies have long been the means of theological teaching, and several academic works have been carried out focusing on their historical, philological and linguistic aspects. Nevertheless, exploring the theological matters of theses texts seems to be neglected in this regard. This article investigates the theological dimensions of the Ethiopic hagiographic literature, with particular focus on the Vita of Saint Mark the Evangelist. By situating the text within the wider tradition of Gəʿəz hagiography, the study explores the ways in which the theological themes are articulated, adapted, and contextualized within the Ethiopian Christian milieu. Particular attention is given to the motifs of Christology, apostolic authority, and divine miracles, alongside the text’s engagement with local concerns of faith and ecclesiastical identity. Through close textual analysis, the article demonstrates that the Vita of Saint Mark the Evangelist functions not merely as a devotional narrative but also as a means of theological instruction and a site for negotiating universal Christian teachings within a distinctive Ethiopian tradition. Therefore, the study highlights the value of the Ethiopic hagiographic texts as and theological witnesses, revealing the dynamic interplay between global Christian traditions and local religious expression.

Для цитирования: Andualem Ermias GebreMariam. Exploring Theological Themes in the Ethiopic Hagiographic Literature: The Vita of Saint Mark the Evangelist in Reference. Российский журнал истории Церкви. 2026;7(1):0-00. doi:10.15829/2686-973X-2026-226. EDN: TSEMZE