Santo Stefano degli Abissini is the national church of Ethiopia. The liturgy is celebrated according to the Alexandrine rite of the Ethiopian Coptic Catholic Church.

The church was built by Pope Leo III (795–816), and named Santo Stefano Maggiore. It stands above the ruins of a pagan temple dedicated to Vesta, and was originally built as a circular building with twenty Corinthian columns, which is a common plan for a temple of Vesta.

It was rebuilt in 1159 under Pope Alexander III, who also built a monastery for Ethiopian monks next to it.

In 1479, Pope Sixtus IV restored the church and assigned it to the Coptic monks in the city. It was at this time that the name was changed to reflect that it was served by Ethiopians (formerly known as Abyssianians, although that is actually a perjorative term and should not now be used).

It was altered under Pope Gregory XI (1700–1721), and again in 1928.

ExteriorEdit

The façade is in the style of the early 18th century. The 12th century doorway has been preserved, and is decorated with the Lamb and the Cross. Interior

The church has a single nave with ancient columns along the sides.

The most important work of art is a fresco of the Madonna with Child in the Roman style from the 15th century.

LiturgyEdit

The feast of St Stephen is celebrated with great solemnity on 26 December.