Mika’el Aregawi (aläqa)

Life and ministry

Mika’el Aregawi [አረጋዊ] was born in the Dembiya province in 1848/49, probably to a Beta Israel family (formerly known as ‘Falasha’).

  • Mika’el is his baptismal name and Aregawi his given name.

In 1866, Mika’el Aregawi travelled with St. Chrischona missionary Bühler and Ruufoo to Southwest Germany. He learned German and attended school in Weinheim, where Rev. Ledderhose was in the church ministry. From 1870 to 1873 Mika’el Aregawi studied at the St. Chrischona Institute.

Mika’el Aregawi contributed significantly to the revision of the Amharic Bible translation:

  • During his study, he assisted Johann Ludwig Krapf at times with proof-reading Amharic Bible texts.
  • In 1885, he helped Martin Flad with the revision of the Amharic Bible
  • From 1923 to 1924, Aregawi co-edited with Martin Flad’s son, Friedrich, the Amharic New Testament translated by Blatten Geta Heruy Wolde Selassie (published in Addis Ababa in 1925).

Mika’el Aregawi left for Ethiopia in October 1873. Until old age he led a team of Ethiopian missionaries among the Beta Israel. He lived in Jenda (ጀንዳ, located in the Dembiya province) for many years and died there in 1931.

Mika’el Aregawi was in correspondence with mission supporters in Great Britain and in German-speaking countries. In the 1890s, Alfred Ilg appealed for Mika’el Aregawi to join the government service. However, he preferred to continue his missionary work. In recognition of his religious learning and leadership, Argawi was granted the honorary title of aläqa (“Master”).

Picture

Martin Flad and Mika’el Aregawi in 1885
(adapted from Flad, Michael Argawi, facing title page)

Further reading

» Bibliography with links

» Mika’el Argawi, Curriculum vitae for application to the St. Chrischona Institute

» Mika’el Aregawi, Selected letters with English translation

» F. Flad, Michael Argawi, Basel 1952.