Abuna

Or a·bu·na

[uh-boo-nuh]

noun

1. the title of the chief bishop of the Ethiopian Church.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Abuna¹

From Arabic, equivalent to abū “father” + -nā “our”

Example Sentences

Some analysts say the patriarch, Abuna Mathias, has not been on good terms with the authorities since speaking out about the war in Tigray, controversially saying that a genocide was being committed there.

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"Truly speaking, this year, we Ethiopians are not celebrating the festival in full happiness," said Archbishop Abuna Markos, resplendent in a white robe with gold trim and embroidered silver crosses and blue floral designs.

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Churches such as Abuna Yemata Guh and similar religious sites around the world are part of the global human heritage whose preservation and well-being should be the concern of all nations.

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“Abuna Semawi, nashkurak,” the pastor began in Arabic.

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In an online video, the priest, who was nicknamed “Abuna Paolo” by Syrians, told locals: “God willing, Raqqa will be the first capital of free Syria.”

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