Abuna Basilios

Gebre Giyorgis Wolde Tsadik (Known as "His Holiness Basilios")

First Ethiopian-Born Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (1959–1970)

Born Apr 23, 1891

Menz, Shewa, Ethiopia

Passed Away Oct 12, 1970 Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Empire

Lifespan 79 years old

0 views

Notice / Correction

"After sixteen centuries of patient prayer, our Church stands fully sovereign under God, anointed with the oil of our own land."

Archival Overview

Historic churchman who in 1959 was consecrated as the very first Ethiopian-born Patriarch (Abuna) of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, ending sixteen centuries of autocephaly dependence upon the Coptic See of Alexandria.

Biographical Record

Gebre Giyorgis Wolde Tsadik was born in Menz on April 23, 1891. Taking monastic vows at Debre Libanos, he served as administrator of Ethiopian monasteries in Jerusalem before becoming Archbishop of Ethiopia in 1951.

On June 28, 1959, following delicate negotiations with Coptic Pope Cyril VI in Cairo, Abuna Basilios was consecrated as the inaugural Patriarch-Catholicos of Ethiopia. This historic event granted complete ecclesiastical autocephaly to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church after 1,600 years of Egyptian Coptic bishop appointments, fulfilling a sacred national dream.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

0 messages recorded

Leave a Respectful Tribute

Select a sentiment or reaction (optional):

Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

Your Name / Title *

Your Email (Private, for anti-abuse)

Tribute Message *

No tributes recorded yet. Be the first to leave a message in honor of Abuna Basilios.

Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Debre Libanos Monastery Patriarchal Crypt
Debre Libanos, Oromia, Ethiopia

                         GPS: 9.7170, 38.8500                    

View on Memory Atlas

Archival Standards PastLegacies adheres to strict neutral biographical guidelines and legal standards of remembrance. Next-of-kin may request modifications or removal at any time via our expedited process.

Read Governance Policy →