Saint  Frumentius played a vital role in introducing Christianity to Ethiopia. Born in Lebanon, he and his brother Aedeius were shipwrecked off the coast of East Africa while traveling on the Red Sea. They were the only survivors of the voyage and were taken to the royal court of Axum in Ethiopia.

There, they gained the king’s favor and became trusted members of his court. After the king’s death, the brothers remained to serve the queen, who allowed them to share the Christian faith and foster trade between Ethiopia and the Western world.

Frumentius later approached St. Athanasius of Alexandria, urging him to send missionaries to Ethiopia. Athanasius consecrated Frumentius himself as the first bishop of Ethiopia. Through his ministry, Frumentius brought many Ethiopians to Christianity before his death in 380. He is honored as the patron saint of Ethiopia, while his brother Aedeius is also venerated as a saint.