Yes, I know “Alodia” from this historical strategy game called EU4 I play; the game starts in 1444 AD so they are still around. But the game sets them as Coptic religion, so I didn’t realize they were actually Orthodox. Probably the game just did that for gameplay purposes, so the poor Ethiopians had a country to vassalize or ally since they are otherwise completely surrounded by muslims.
From what I read it’s uncertain to what degree they were (Monophysite/Miaphysite) Coptic or Byzantine Orthodox....there is evidence for both, and the last I read it seemed both groups had their partisans in the area.
Rereading some of my research on this again. Apparently Alodia and Nobatia were evangelized by Copts, and it’s Makuria where the Byzantine influence seems strongest. But it wasn’t clear cut along political lines. There are definitely inscriptions that point to Orthodoxy, so perhaps both groups had their adherents, at least in the beginning. That said, it certainly seems like you’re right, that Coptic was the predominant element.
EU4 eh? Might need to check out this game. We are big Age of Empires fans here....especially my 9 year old girl.