The book was inspired by Dejazmatch Amaha Abera Zion Kassa, affectionately known by his students a prof. Kassa. Prof. Kassa came to New York City in 1983 after serving 8 years in prison following the Communist Revolution in 1975, backed by the former Soviet Union. He relocated to NYC following his release wherein he was received as custodian of the Ethiopian Orthodox Coptic Church of North and South America, and Abuna Mikael, Metropolitan Primate of the church.

Prof. Kassa hails from a distinguished pedigree and he served in various positions of authority in the government of Ethiopia. The book explores the work of prof. Kassa in conjunction with his responsibility as a custodian of the church from the establishment St. Mary of Zion Church in Brooklyn NY, during the 1950s. During the late 1980s the Metropolitan Primate passed away but he appointed a successor prior to his passing. The new church leadership dispensation was met with great controversy from the outset, and the controversy became intractable as the new leadership attempted to impose a paradigm shift in the tradition worship service modality.

In addition to Herculean attempts on the part of Prof. Kassa to modulate the controversy, he was able to inspire, inform and guide his students for two decades relative to studies of Ethiopia’s, heritage, history, culture, language, and Judeo-Christian theology. “The Christmas Day Story” is soon to be released books by the prof’s students who continue his work.

A must read as an introduction to Ethiopia and its ancient history, and the establishment and presence of the Ethiopian Orthodox Coptic Church in North and South America.