Those who know the history of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian people know it well. International scholars, philanthropists, community and international organizations like the United Nations speak volumes about the history of a nation that safe guarded its independence from colonialism, the cradle of civilization, the ancient home of Christianity, peace loving and hospitable people located in the heart of Africa.

Among those who speak about Ethiopia’s history include President Nelson Mandela, Professors Richard Pankrust, Professor David Levine, Professor Chojnacki and others. These individuals have written extensively about Ethiopia, and advocated for Ethiopia’s right place in history.

On July 8, 2010, the Ethiopian community in Ottawa heard the passing away of the man who chronicled Ethiopia’s history, Prof. Chojnacki. Our community is deeply saddened by the news.

Today Ethiopia lost one of its great advocates and international ambassadors. The professor spent over 25 years in Ethiopia and endorsed partnership and advocacy for Ethiopia for over 45 years. He was recognized as an active member of Ethiopian communities across Canada.

In 2007 he visited the Ethiopian Ottawa community and was a guest of honour during the official opening of the St. Tekle Haimanot Ethiopian Orthodox Church Library and Education Center. He made a fantastic presentation on the history of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the places he visited in Ethiopia and his memoirs. Those who attended his presentation were amazed to hear their story from an aging internationalist who spoke with utmost clarity and authenticity. More importantly, the professor surprised his audiences by mentioning the names of people and monks he met in monasteries including the people who lived and worked with him in the sixties, often with amazing clarity and absolute certainty.

Today we Ethiopians have missed one of our own. We lost a distinguished scholar who spoke about us and advocated for us and our beloved nation Ethiopia. But his legacies, works and memoirs will live with us for ever. We will carry his torch to teach our children and the international community about Ethiopia’s history. As he talked and advocated about us for over half a century, we will remember him for ever. May God rest his soul in heavenly peace. May God, also, give the strength and spirit to his grieving family at this time of their hardship and sorrow.

We will continue to love him and miss him for ever. In remembrance of this great internationalist, our community will sing the Ethiopian Orthodox Lyric that HE used to like most ‘Aman be Aman’ , which literally means peace by peace, on Sunday July 11, 2010. SO Long our father, brother and mentor!

Ethiopian Community Association in Ottawa
211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa ON, K1R 6H5
Email: [email protected]