In a mountainous region in the heart of Ethiopia, 400 miles from Addis Ababa, stand eleven medieval monolithic churches carved out of rock. Their construction is attributed to King Lalibela, who was the emperor of Ethiopia from the end of the twelfth century to the beginning of the thirteenth.
The layout and symbolism
The buildings are clustered into two groups, one representing the earthly Jerusalem, the other the heavenly. Running through the center of the complex is a channel, which symbolizes the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. The landscape of the churches, plus surrounding religious sites, all reference the Holy City.
The Earthly and Heavenly Jerusalem
On the north side of the channel are Biete Medhani Alem (House of the Savior of the World), Biete Mariam (House of Mary), Biete Meskel (House of the Cross), Biete Denagel (House of Virgins), and Biete Golgotha Mikael (House of Golgotha Mikael).
On the south side stand Biete Amanuel (House of Emmanuel), Biete Qeddus Mercoreus (House of Saint Mercoreos), Biete Abba Libanos (House of Abbot Libanos), Biete Gabriel Raphael (House of Gabriel Raphael), and Biete Lehem (House of Holy Bread).
The eleventh church, Biete Giyiorgis (House of Saint George), stands apart from the others on the north side, but is connected by a system of trenches. The last built of the eleven, it has been dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World”.
While the churches form a complex, each one has its own unique characteristics and treasures.
Biete Meskel (House of the Cross)
The name “House of the Cross” refers to its dedication to the True Cross, symbolizing Christ’s sacrifice and redemption. The interior is cruciform in plan, with the floor, ceiling, and columns all emphasizing the shape of the cross.
Connection to Biete Maryam
In my prior post, I shared another rock-hewn church, Biete Maryam. Biete Maryam lies adjacent to Biete Meskel, and the two are connected via rock-cut courtyards, narrow trenches, and tunnels. These passageways symbolize the pilgrimage and purification passing from the compassion of the Virgin to the triumph of the cross.
The narrow pathways are spiritual metaphors, designed to evoke the journey of faith and echoing Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter through the narrow gate… For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few find it.”
Liturgically, this church symbolizes the crucifixion and victory of the Cross. Its placement near Biete Golgotha symbolizes the Resurrection. Symbolically, Biete Meskel serves as the “hinge” between Mary’s acceptance and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. It is the crossroads (literally and spiritually) of redemption.
Biete Denagel (House of Virgins)
This church is more modest with a simple façade and interior compared to the others. It is believed to be dedicated to the 40 maiden nuns martyred in Edessa (modern-day Turkey) on the orders of Roman Emperor Julian in the 4th century.
Emperor Julian the Apostate is infamous for attempting to revive paganism in the Roman Empire and persecuting Christians. Tragically, many virgins or nuns were martyred during his reign. Martyrdom of the “innocents” led to the birth of churches dedicated to Mary, as she is often revered as the patroness of virgins and purity.
Up Next: Biete Mikael and Biete Golgotha
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