Holy Homes of Frumentius

On Ethiopia’s beautiful Lake Tana, a monastery honors St. Frumentius, known as Abba Salama, where his prayers bring peace. Tradition says this island monastery, surrounded by reeds and birds, was blessed through his prayers, with a simple church housing his icon. Monks live there, praying and sharing his story, keeping his legacy alive. Some believe a visitor in 2020 asked for Abba Salama’s intercession at his icon and was healed upon touching it, giving thanks for God’s grace.

This monastery is a quiet, holy place. People row boats to visit, seeking Abba Salama’s prayers for their worries or offering thanks, often leaving with lighter hearts. For Ethiopian children, it’s a sacred place where Abba Salama intercedes; for Coptic children, it shows his mission continues. The lake’s ripples reflect his intercession, connecting people today.

This simple wood-and-stone monastery is holy because Abba Salama’s prayers bless it. It shows how his light spreads beyond Axum, a haven where people find help through his intercession. Children can imagine him praying for those in need, making this a place where God’s love feels close. Through his prayers, Abba Salama remains Ethiopia’s Father of Peace, a beloved saint today.