Lalibela - St. Giyorgis (George) Church

April 19 - St. Giyorgis Church is the definitive rock-hewn church. Purely monolithic and it's cruciform shape makes it the star attraction in Lalibela. 

We found this strategically placed chair for a photo in the shade. 

Today is not only the start of the Easter celebration, but it's also the weekly market day for this area. See the large crowd in the distance. 

To access the entrance to St. Giyorgis, we slithered down through a trench...

And at the end of the passageway was the main entrance to the church. 

There are 12 "blind", or false, windows around the perimeter of the church they are to represent the 12 Apostles. 

An original 11th century painting of St. Giyorgis on goat skin. 

We learned the current head priest at St. Giyorgis is the nephew of our friend, and a former head priest at St. Giyorgis, Abba Gebrekidan!  When we told him we knew Abba G, he was thrilled, and asked lots of questions. 

Intricate carvings, all from the same mass of solid stone. Incredible!

This is the box they keep all the sacred books and vestments in. The two large wooden screws on top were part of the original locking mechanism, but they have since been replaced by a more modern (but no more secure) padlock.