Around the monastery of Debre Lebanos – Oromia, Ethiopia

The first Tabbot of Debre Libanos, with whom the monastery is strongly associated, is an important figure in Ethiopian history. He convinced the Kings of the Zagwe Dynasty of Lalibela to abdicate to return the throne to the Solomonic line, and was involved in spreading the Orthodox faith south. Abune Tekle-Haimanot (1260 A.D) was later canonized for all his deeds. A cave where he is supposed to have prayed for seven years standing on one foot is one of the sacred spots of Debre Libanos that pilgrims flock to. Perhaps because of these beginnings, Debre Libanos has been one of the most important and influential monasteries in the land while its titular head has been regarded as the premier monk of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.