Ethiopia
In 2021 I travelled to Ethiopia. Home to almost 120 million people, the landlocked country is situated in the Horn of the African continent. The country is so incredibly rich in culture, heritage and history. My first destination was Lalibela, to observe the orthodox Easter celebrations. The town is particularly known for its for its churches carved into rock mostly during the rule of King Lalibela ca. 1181–1221.
Ethiopia overall was one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity in the first half of the 4th century, and its historical roots date to the time of the Apostles. Religious traditions remain largly unchanged and are being celebrated over 4 5 days in and around the 11 churches.
My trip continued in Omo Valley. This southwestern corner of Ethiopia is home to seven primary tribes who coexist with varying degrees of peace. The land is largely dry savanna, with the Omo River cutting a nearly 475-mile-long swath down to Lake Turkana on the Kenya border.
Two men in prayer
Two men sitting in a quiet corner by Bete Maryam in prayer.
Portrait of a man outside Bete Maryam
Bete Maryam is one of the 11 stone carved churches. This man was sitting outside the church before entering to attend the Good Friday mass.
Portrait of a man
Chanting by the clergy doesn’t always take place inside the actual church. In case of the Church of St. George, chanting takes place in a cave just off to the side. This man was sitting alone in a corner while a group of men was huddled in the opposite side.
Entering the church
Members of the congregation at the entrance of a church.
Pray beyond the walls
Particularly during the holy days, churches are packed and don’t offer enough room for all members of the congregation. Worshippers therefore spill over and pray outside the church.
Exiting the church
A woman leaving St. George church, passing shoes of other worshippers.
St. George Church
Top down view of iconic St. George Church
Easter Prayers
A man deep in prayer during the evening processions of the orthodox Easter celebrations in Lalibela, Ethiopia.
Towering over a golden sea
A man gazing into the rising sun on a mountain plateau in Ethiopia.
Tribal women and boy
Southern Ethiopia is home to a number of ethnic tribes living both in grassland.
Two Ethiopian tribal men
Ethiopian tribal woman with children
Home
In Southern Ethiopia, tribes build huts that function as homes but also have fenced areas to keep animals.