SUNDAY MORNING IN LALIBELA
Lalibela, Ethiopia 2013…
A priest, standing at the entrance to one of Lalibela’s famed stone churches, uses a microphone to preach the sermon.
Worshipers filled the interior of the church and hundreds more spread down the stone bridges and walkways to cover the hillsides. Men, women and children, bathed in the rays of the early morning sun, read from prayer books bound in red leather. Everyone wore a white shawl. It was St. Gabriel’s day, but it reminded me of Easter morning.
My guide led me up the hill to the church and then through the stone passages and across the ‘bridge’ into the nave where the priests in ecclesiastical garments chanted the liturgy. I never would have pushed my way through the crowd particularly when someone might fall from the path to the stone below. (me?) But the hands of young and old reached out to grab my hand or arm to help me pass.
COUNSEL
Once inside, I was practically shoulder to shoulder with the priests. I hesitated to raise my camera, but my guide gestured to shoot, so I did.
What a one-of-a-kind- church setting! Your description brings it alive. Brrr, not the safest-looking place, more like an altar for the sacrifice of Mayan maidens… You have more courage than I do.
Judi!!
It was scary. The thought falling crossed my mind, but as I get older, I can push those thoughts aside. Just goes to show that our fears shouldn’t keep us from acting! Too bad it takes so long to learn some important lessons.
Thanks for checking my blog!
Rosemary