April 17 - The second monastery we visited on the Zege Peninsula was Ura Kidane Mehret. Larger than Azuwa Maryam, it provides a place of worship for many more people. On the grounds is also a small museum (with a big new one under construction) and an old 17th century dining hall that is still in use today.
One of the 12 doors with archangels Gabriel and Michael.
Mary and Jesus.
More of the many drums - typically used during Liturgies, but not during Holy Week.
Another of the 12 doors.
Many depictions of various biblical stories.
Looking up at the paintings above the main entrance to the sanctuary.
Doors that open into the sanctuary. These doors are never opened.
Over the years local people have embellished the exterior doors with charcoal "paintings" of their own.
Some of the paintings exposed to the elements have not fared so well. There has been a concerted effort in recent years to provide protection for all surviving paintings and churches throughout Ethiopia.
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