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Catholic women in Ethiopia gather to pray in small Associations of Mary. Men also have a group devoted to St. Michael, the archangel.

The primary form of liturgical music in Ethiopia, both in Orthodox and Catholic churches, is a form of chant known as zema. The form dates to the sixth century. Chant is integral to the liturgy and to the Liturgy of the Hours.

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A survey by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, “Tolerance and Tension: Islam and Christianity in Sub-Saharan Africa,” helps highlight a number of aspects Ethiopian culture.

Icons, drawn in a distinctive Ethiopian style, are central to the visual culture of Ethiopian Orthodoxy. These depict a number of saints, both Ethiopian and from other Orthodox traditions, along with biblical scenes. Madonna and Child images often feature prominently. In the 20th century, Ethiopian Orthodox Church architecture and religious images were borrowed more explicitly from Europe. The style of representation in Ethiopian Orthodox iconography makes it easy to distinguish good from evil characters. With few exceptions, evil characters are often shown in a profile with only one eye

Catholicism is a tiny minority faith shaped by the practice and standing of Ethiopian Orthodoxy in the national story. In the dominant historical narrative, Ethiopia is a Christian country whose roots are intertwined with the ancient Israelites and the Hebrew bible.

The most popular saints (after Mary) are actually angels – Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael. Ethiopians emphasize their central role as messengers between God and man and often describe them as strong protectors.

Most Ethiopians interviewed in Addis Ababa seem to find charismatic religion to be a bit of a puzzle, given the much more restrained, quiet, and slow pace of worship in the Ge’ez rite in particular, and also in the Latin rite.