Ethiopian Churches, December 2011

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Credit: Michel Hoebink/RNW

Christmas is a time to be reminded of the ancient traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, an institution which traces its origins to early New Testament times. The church celebrates its Christmas early in January.

Photo:A painting in Lake Tana monastery in Ethiopia.

Photo credits: Michel Hoebink, Marlies Pilon
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Credit: Michel Hoebink/ RNW

Ethiopia's ancient churches are widely accepted, especially by the local clergy, to be a symbolic representation of Jerusalem.
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The atmosphere in churches is informal, people dress similarly and kneel down and touch the floor with their foreheads to pray.
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Credit: Michel Hoebink/ RNW

The clergy wear richly embroidered vestments.
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Credit: Michel Hoebink/ RNW

Lalibella is Ethiopia's holiest ancient city ...
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Credit: Michel Hoebink/ RNW

... Which is famous for the Lalibella Cross, a church that along with ...
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Credit: Marlies Pilon/ RNW

...The Church of Saint George and many others are carved from living rock.
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Credit: Michel Hoebink/ RNW

All churches have a sanctum which only priests are allowed to enter ...
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Credit: Michel Hoebink/ RNW

... And pilgrims gather in holy places like Axum and Lalibela.
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Credit: Michel Hoebink/ RNW

To reach these locations, some walk for days along age-old footpaths criss-crossing the Ethiopian highlands.