Abba Guba

Note: This article or section represents an Oriental Orthodox (Non-Chalcedonian) perspective, which may differ from an Eastern Orthodox (Chalcedonian) understanding.

Abba Guba was one of the Nine Saints credited in Ethiopia with enculturating and spreading the Orthodox Faith in the country following its official conversion by St. Frumentius of Axum.

Life

It is said that the Nine Saints arrived in Axum, the first great capital city of Ethiopia, in 480. They came from various parts of the East Roman Empire, having fled the persecutions of the Orthodox who remained faithful to the teaching of St. Cyril of Alexandria after Chalcedon. In the account of his life preserved by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Abba Guba is said to have come to Ethiopia from the region of Cilicia, which was also home to St. Paul.

After spending some time in Axum with Abba P'entelewon learning and language and culture of Ethiopia, Abba Guba left the city for the desert of Bereka, from which he never returned.

Commemoration

Abba Guba is commemorated together with Abba Aftse on 29 Ginbot (5 June).

External Links

• Abba Afse (Dictionary of African Christian Biography)
• Abba Guba (Dictionary of African Christian Biography)
• Nine Roman Saints (Nine Saints' Monastery in the USA)