HISTORICALSURVEYOFORTHODOXCHURCH IN HAWASSA SINCE 1960

Abstract This study is intended to asses a historical survey of Orthodox Church in Hawassa since 1960.The thesis focused on when and how introduced and expansion of Orthodox Church in the study area and influenced on social life. Based on relevant archival, secondary and oral sources were drawn from the library of Evangelical college and Shiloh Bible college found in Hawassa, Addis Ababa University’s IES and Archives center. Secondary data from different books, published and unpublished dissertations and thesis, bulletins journals articles and other relevant materials were reviewed in the line with the study’s objectives. I selected thirty-five key informants from religious personnel, Church elders to better understand the required information to meet my objectives. The thesis showed also the construction of Churches and socio-economic and political impacts of Orthodox Church in the study area. The central finding of this research touch up on EOC how evangelization process and people’s reaction in Hawassa, and good opportunities and major challenges in the Orthodox Church. It also describes and analyzes long lasting impacts of Orthodox Church in terms of religious, socio-cultural, economic and political among the residents of Hawassa. In summary; the design and methods discussed allowed a holistic approach towards the study.