2. Church of Our Lady Marion of Zion: Ethiopia, 4th century
Of all the churches you can visit in Ethiopia, the most famous is the Church of Our Lady Marion of Zion in Axum, which is said to hold the Ark of the Covenant. While it has been rebuilt a number of times, it is thought that its original construction dates back to the 4th century under the rule of the Christian ruler Ezana. Unfortunately for female visitors, the old church is only open to men, with the newer cathedral structure erected by Emperor Haile Selassie in the 1950s open to visitors of both sexes. The reason for this is that the Ark of the Covenant, supposedly inside, symbolizes Mary, who is the only woman permitted within the building.
Access to the Ark itself (if it truly exists within) is even more restricted—indeed, only a lifelong appointed guardian monk is allowed inside—and he never comes out. Whether the church contains the Ark or not can only be guessed, but it certainly does add to the mystique surrounding the ancient house of worship. The busiest time of year to visit the church is during the Festival of Zion Maryam, which takes place on November 30th. Throughout the year, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and others from around the world pilgrimage here.
2. Church of Our Lady Marion of Zion: Ethiopia, 4th century
Of all the churches you can visit in Ethiopia, the most famous is the Church of Our Lady Marion of Zion in Axum, which is said to hold the Ark of the Covenant. While it has been rebuilt a number of times, it is thought that its original construction dates back to the 4th century under the rule of the Christian ruler Ezana. Unfortunately for female visitors, the old church is only open to men, with the newer cathedral structure erected by Emperor Haile Selassie in the 1950s open to visitors of both sexes. The reason for this is that the Ark of the Covenant, supposedly inside, symbolizes Mary, who is the only woman permitted within the building.
Access to the Ark itself (if it truly exists within) is even more restricted—indeed, only a lifelong appointed guardian monk is allowed inside—and he never comes out. Whether the church contains the Ark or not can only be guessed, but it certainly does add to the mystique surrounding the ancient house of worship. The busiest time of year to visit the church is during the Festival of Zion Maryam, which takes place on November 30th. Throughout the year, Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and others from around the world pilgrimage here.
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