Africa
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
Abuna Yemata Guh is one of more than 100 rock-hewn churches in northern Ethiopia, but it’s the only one that requires climbing up a 1,000-foot cliff face to reach. Father Assefa, 64, has done it every day for 50 years.
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
This browser does not support the video element.
TWP
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
Ethiopia was one of the world’s first bastions of Christianity, and the Orthodox Church, of which Abuna Yemata Guh is a part, is one of the religion’s oldest sects. The region’s arid climate has preserved the church’s sixth-century paintings, made from animal fat.
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
Inside, the sandstone walls are adorned with portraits of the Bible’s protagonists as well as depictions of its parables. This painting is attributed to Binyam, the nephew of Abuna, or Father Yemata, the saint from Syria who is said to have carved out the church.
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
The final stretch to the church’s inner sanctum involves walking along a narrow, slanted ledge. Falling would mean certain death.
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
This browser does not support the video element.
TWP
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
“The route is blessed,” said Father Assefa. “Not one has ever died. Our patron saint saves those who fall with his wind. They are returned to the ledge from halfway down.”
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
This browser does not support the video element.
TWP
This browser does not support the video element.
Father Assefa’s grandfather was also a priest at Abuna Yemata Guh, and generations of priests have been buried among the rocks.
TWP
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
He revels in the age-old traditions, such as ringing the church bells, which are made of stone and echo across the countryside to his parishioners.
Max Bearak/The Washington Post
This browser does not support the video element.
TWP
This browser does not support the video element.
“Upon this rock,” said Father Assefa, “we are closer to God.”
TWP
Max Bearak/The Washington Post