Soul & Afterlife

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church teaches that each person has an immortal soul created by God. After death, the soul undergoes a particular judgment and awaits the general resurrection in a state of rest (for the righteous) or suffering (for sinners). The resurrection of the body at the Last Day is a core doctrine confessed in the Nicene Creed and in the Ethiopian theological tradition.

The Ethiopian church maintains an elaborate system of prayers and liturgical commemorations for the deceased. Memorial services (Tezkar) are held at specific intervals after death—on the 3rd, 7th, 12th, 40th, and 80th days, and annually—reflecting the conviction that prayer for the departed is meaningful. Cemeteries are often located near or within church compounds, and funeral rites are elaborate, involving extensive scripture reading, chanting, and celebration of the Eucharist. The communion of living and departed members of the Church is a cherished belief in Ethiopian Christianity.