Gheralta Area - Abuna Yemata Guh Church (Being There)

April 11 - In a small anteroom, at the entrance to Abuna Yemata Guh, Carrie and one of the escorts get some rest and share a congratulatory handshake for arriving safely. The niche behind them is the sleeping area for monks when they visit. It is believed that this church was carved into the cliff in the 4th century. The elaborate paintings were done in the 15th century. Our guide book says this is the most compelling church in the area, and is the most spectacularly situated rock-hewn church anywhere in Ethiopia. We would agree completely!

This is our initial view as we step through the small door into the church. Awesome!

The priest, a 28 year old local man, proudly displays the illuminated (means with illustrations) bible written in the ancient language of the clergy called Ge'ez. The book is over 500 years old and printed on goat skin. For many generations, the priests have read from this book every day. 

Our guide, Arya, explains the meaning of some of the many paintings.

This center dome depicts 9 of the 12 apostles. The other three, Peter, Paul and Thomas are on the adjacent wall. There is another similar large dome with depictions of 9 Syrian monks, but it was too dark to capture a photo. 

The bible stand leans against the pillar with Mary and Jesus. 

A close up of Abuna Yemata, the church's namesake, on horseback who cursed his friend into becoming a "rat" after lying to him about feeding the horses. I'm sure there's more to the story, but that's all we got from Arya.