Today we are getting to experience one the great attractions of Ethiopia…..the rock hewn churches of Lallibella.  Constructed by King Lalibella in the 13th century, there a 11 churches in all, near the center of the city in Lalibella.  It took over 23 years to construct, and could only be accomplished with the help of angels.  Most of the grand structures are monolithic, literally hand carved out of the granite mountain a one piece, thus the are all below the natural level of the surrounding terrain. All of the churches are in use today by the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church and all the churches have resident priests that care for the inner rooms of the churches.
 
Pictures cannot do justice to both the magnificent beauty inside and out of the churches and the incredible engineering accomplishment just in their creation. The churches are interconnected by a series of carved pathways and tunnels that serve not only the purpose of moving between churches but provides an efficient means of drainage since the structures are below the natural level of the lands around them.
 
 
As our group exits one of the churches, the picture above gives you an idea of magnitude of the structures…….we are at least 40 to 50 feet below the natural surface of the land.
 
 
Behind the group is the Church of St. Georges.  In the shape of a cross, this monolithic structure is about 60 feet tall…..inside the roof is supported by a series of columns that stretch from the floor to the ceiling. Many believe this to be the most architecturally beautiful of all the churches.
 
 
During our lunch break, we all enjoy a brightly colored selection of authentic Ethiopia food.  A lover of spicy food ( she says, the hotter the better!), Lizzie has become the group’s official taster.
 
 
When we retire to our rooms for a brief break, we are greeted by this panoramic scene from our balconies of a thunderstorm rolling in across the valley.  A great reminder of blessing of the much need water and God’s awesome beauty.
 
 
No evening is complete in Ethiopia without the enjoyment, both social and taste, of the coffee ceremony. Bishop Mike is checking out the artful pouring of the first cups for us to enjoy.
 
You may see more pictures by going to www.bishopmike.com.

Today we are getting to experience one the great attractions of Ethiopia…..the rock hewn churches of Lallibella.  Constructed by King Lalibella in the 13th century, there a 11 churches in all, near the center of the city in Lalibella.  It took over 23 years to construct, and could only be accomplished with the help of angels.  Most of the grand structures are monolithic, literally hand carved out of the granite mountain a one piece, thus the are all below the natural level of the surrounding terrain. All of the churches are in use today by the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church and all the churches have resident priests that care for the inner rooms of the churches.
 
Pictures cannot do justice to both the magnificent beauty inside and out of the churches and the incredible engineering accomplishment just in their creation. The churches are interconnected by a series of carved pathways and tunnels that serve not only the purpose of moving between churches but provides an efficient means of drainage since the structures are below the natural level of the lands around them.
 
 
As our group exits one of the churches, the picture above gives you an idea of magnitude of the structures…….we are at least 40 to 50 feet below the natural surface of the land.
 
 
Behind the group is the Church of St. Georges.  In the shape of a cross, this monolithic structure is about 60 feet tall…..inside the roof is supported by a series of columns that stretch from the floor to the ceiling. Many believe this to be the most architecturally beautiful of all the churches.
 
 
During our lunch break, we all enjoy a brightly colored selection of authentic Ethiopia food.  A lover of spicy food ( she says, the hotter the better!), Lizzie has become the group’s official taster.
 
 
When we retire to our rooms for a brief break, we are greeted by this panoramic scene from our balconies of a thunderstorm rolling in across the valley.  A great reminder of blessing of the much need water and God’s awesome beauty.
 
 
No evening is complete in Ethiopia without the enjoyment, both social and taste, of the coffee ceremony. Bishop Mike is checking out the artful pouring of the first cups for us to enjoy.
 
You may see more pictures by going to www.bishopmike.com.