Lalibela - Northwestern Cluster of Churches (Part 1)

April 19 - There are a total of 12 rock-hewn Orthodox churches in Lalibela. They are arranged to mimic similar structures in Jerusalem, which was directed by King Lalibela after visiting Jerusalem in the 11th century. The 12 churches are seen in three "clusters": northwestern, southeastern and St. Giyorgis (George), which stands alone.

The northwestern cluster of rock-hewn churches are actually a complex arrangement of six structures connected by tunnels and trenches. The six individual churches are Bet Medhane Alem, Bet Maryam, Bet Meskel, Bet Donaghal, Bet Mikael, and Bet Golgotha (permitted for men only). We saw each of them and were astonished by the workmanship and peaceful nature of them all. The pictures are in chronological order, but because each church "evolves" out of the previous one, it was difficult (for us) to keep track of each one. Therefore, some of the captions don't reference the church by name. 

This is one section of wall form Bet Medhane Alem, the largest of the 12 churches. It is entirely monolithic, meaning carved from a single mass of solid rock. There are 72 perimeter columns, but you'll notice the ones in this picture have been partially replaced with stone blocks for structural reasons. Of the original 72 columns about half are still in tact. 

The main entrance door to Bet Medhane Alem. 

One of the tunnels linking Bet Maryam and Bet Meskel with a monk's cell above the passageway. 

The cemetery outside Bet Meskel. No longer in use, but was once the final resting place for those who contributed significantly to the church. 

One corner of Bet Medhane Alem showing the roof, which is at ground level. The excavation trenches surrounding this church are about 20 feet wide. 

This was once an entombment chamber for local royalty. Once the tomb became full, it was sealed. 

Intricate stone carving at House of the Cross adjacent to Bet Danaghel. There are 10 arches like the one at the top of this photo to represent the 10 Commandments brought by Moses. 

Carrie with Abba Misganawu, the head priest at Bet Danaghel and House of the Cross, who knows our Ethiopian a Orthodox priest friend, Abba Gebrekidan, who was in Salt Lake City but is now a priest in Tennessee. Abba Gebrekidan is originally from Lalibela and was the head priest at St. Giyorgis (George) church for many years before being reassigned to Beirut, Lebanon then to Utah.