Adadi Maryam Rock-hewn Church – Oromia, Ethiopia

Adadi  Maryam is a small christian orthodox rock church about 1 1/2 hour drive south of Addis Ababa. While the rock churches in Lalibela are famous world wide this little jewel is the southernmost church of its type, far far way from Lalibela in nortehrn Ethiopia. The legend says it was carved out from the rock by King Lalibela himself in the 13th century. This was before him becoming king and before the city of Lalibela and its churches were constructed. It took him three years and three months to accomplish this work.Then he set of to the north and fulfilled his destiny.

People sit inside our nearby reading the Bible.You have to climb down a stone staircase to get about 20 feet or 4 meters under ground to the entrance. Inside this little rock is an isle surrounding three rooms. One room for the public, one holy room and the holy of the holiest room in the middle. While we were there some priest came out of  the inner room where they pray. Usually even the second room is locked.  When it was opened for us a woman who was praying outside took the opportunity to kiss both threshold and floor.

Adadi  Maryam Church