IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, ONE GOD AMEN!

Azuwa Mariam

Hiruy Simie

Azuwa Mariam church was built during the reign of Atse Amde Seyon (Zion) in the 13th century.  This church has not been made by hewing a living rock. The surrounding groves that had been planted at that time attest old the age of the church. Azuwa Mariam is located on a peninsula at the shores of lake Tana.

The church is built in the traditional circle structure which is the most common type in Ethiopia. The interior is built with huge planks of wood which had been well shaped and curved for the purpose. These huge planks have been split out of termite resistant planks. Therefore, they are one of the most important relics which have survived adversity of the ages. The room of the kedest (room before the holy of holies) has eight doors and windows. Moreover, the holy of holies has three doors and windows. The roof has been attached with the wall using the hides of four hundred oxen. The key of the door as well as the ark was brought from Egypt by Abune Yohannes (see the details on Abba Yohannes from the article Ura kidane Mehiret on this site).

Azuwa is known for its beautiful church paintings that adorned its walls. The ‘kidist’ specially has its roof and walls well adorned with paintings that depict stories from the Old and New Testament. These wonderful paintings had been painted during the 15th century. The paint used by the artists and their choice of different colors shows their skill and ability. The paintings are made on canvases, which is a material used today world wide. This shows how our forefathers had introduced and advanced the science of art before the enlightenment of the whole world. They are also Pioneers by being able to paint on canvas and lather (Brana) parchment. The paints used by the artists are also a wonder since they remained intact without fading all these centuries.

Azuwa Mariam had served as the center of church art education for many centuries. Many great Ethiopian artists used to go there to meet and discuss on issues regarding art. Many churches got paintings done on their walls through the artists residing in this church. Therefore, the contribution of this church for Ethiopian art is very great. There are also many relics worth seeing in this church. Today, most important service that is demanded of us is to preserve these priceless relics. Laities of the EOTC who are working in UNESCO can do a lot to this end in cooperation with Mehabere Kidusan.

Glory to God and holy Mary. Amen.

Source: Zemedkun Bekele, Kidusan Mekanat Be Ethiopia. (Addis Ababa, 1992 E.C.) pp. 202-203.

Abreha Wa Asebeha Church

Hiruy Simie

Abreha and Asebeha are the famous brother kings of Ethiopia who reigned in the 5th century. They are regarded as saints because they declared Christianity as a state religion and denounced the heresy of Nestorianism which the Roman kings entreated them to accept. In addition they accepted the first patriarch of Ethiopia Abba Selama from Alexandria and built many churches all over Ethiopia with him.

In the district of Kelete Awlalo in Tigray on a mountain that reaches 12,035 m.a.s.l a church had been built in the name of these saintly brothers. The church is a rock hewn church unique in its interior colonnade arches and architecture. The windows have been built of wood and well gilded still that captures the imagination.

When Yodit the Jew rose against Christianity in the 9th century this place was one of the many that suffered bad damages. Yodit have tried to burn this rock hewn church but failed after badly damaging the Kene Mahlet (the first interior part of the church). The roof parts and some of the walls are still covered with soot testifying as an evidence the ancient fire alighted by Jodit. On the roof one can see wonderful patterns of crosses which have been curved on the rock and beautified. If you study this part well you can see swastikas and many different shapes of crosses. This church is therefore a living proof that we Ethiopians posses the leading role in church architecture.  Attention has been given to the interior of this church than its exterior, which had not been detached from the cliff wall. The interior is full of many designs and well made colonnades that have no equal it in all parts of Ethiopia.

The interior of the church is very big. It has 13 beautiful arched pillars and most of the roof and arches are adorned with many rare designs. The Church contains the arks of St. Michael, St. Gabriel and holy Mary. Each arks have their own room of holy of holies. This holy of holies is made in a dome shape and is very beautiful. The saints Abreha and Asebeha are buried in the holy of holies of St. Gabriel. Their commemoration is observed on 4 Tikimt. God has bestowed miracles for his saints and this holy place is a proof of the unshakable love God has for his children.

In 1931 E.C the Italians in their destructive mission painted this church white both in its interior and exterior. Latter on some Italian workmen again painted the Church white. Recently, the entrance had been once again painted with a white paint unlike its original making. This act is a distractive attempt of beautification to national heritages. Therefore, it was wrong to do that in the first place since the science of national Heritages does not advocate that.  This shows that we must dedicate our ability and expertise to protect and preserve our priceless holy place. May the blessing of the saints be with us!

Glory to God and Holy Mary! Amen.

Source: Zemedkun Bekele, Kidusan Mekanat Be Ethiopia. (Addis Ababa, 1992 E.C.) pp.131-132
: Grahm,J. Ethiopia off the beaten Trail. (Addis Ababa, 2001G.C.) p.118-119.

 Glory to God and his mother holy Mary Amen

May God Bless us. Amen!!