Epiphany: Three Wise Kings of the Magi

by Gary James

The content of the work provides an overview of the Ethiopian Orthodox Coptic Church (EOCC) of North and South America from its establishment in the late 1950s, with the appointment of the Metropolitan Primate Abuna Michael , until the churches decline in 1999. Headquartered in Brooklyn NY during its high point, the vibrant and colorful priesthood of 33 included 15 parish priests with churches in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Harlem until 1989 with the passing of the Metropolitan Primate. The church leadership transition was very controversial and the process was protracted due to the rapid decline in the Primate's health. His declining health was complicated by a legacy of poor leadership because at the end of the day, Primate Michael named a successor who expressed ecclesiastical differences that ultimately help to facilitate the demise of the official public mission of (EOCC).

Priest Jose, the central character in the storyline is the clerk of the Holy Synod that resulted in the consecration of Abuna Nathaniel as Metropolitan Primate and successor to Abuna Michael. The proceedings of the synod was overseen by H.E. Dejazmatch Amaha Abera Zion Kassa, former Governor General of Ethiopia in the administration of Emperor Haile Selassie. Affectionately known as Prof. Kassa by his students, the Dejazmatch lived in exile in New York City subsequent to serving 8 years in prison, following the communist coup of Ethiopian that occurred in 1974 under the sponsorship of the former Soviet Union. Professor Kassa served as the overseer of EOCC in his familial capacity of defender of the Faith. Professor Kassa also served as President and Chancellor of Trinity University College, the seminary for the priesthood. Jose served as the assistant and protégé to Prof. Kassa and functioned as liaison to the respective churches.

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

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