Abuna Mikael I

Abuna Mikael was an abuna or head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in the 12th century. According to tradition, Mikael anointed seven kings, dedicated 1,009 churches, and appointed 27,000 priests.

During this period the Abun was appointed by the Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of All Africa, who had diocesan authority over Ethiopia and the rest of Africa, at the request of the Emperor of Ethiopia, usually after paying a substantial fee to the Muslim government for the privilege. Mikael was appointed by the Patriarch Macarius II (1103-1131), and was still in office during the tenure of Patriarch John V (1146-1167).