- Address: Debre Libanos, Eritrea
- Phone: +251 96 697 6283
In the Christian chronicles an incredible number of records and stories about the first missionaries in Africa. Many of them died from claws of predators and malaria, could not stand the climate or were eaten by cannibals. And if you had the opportunity to visit Debre Libanos, do not deny yourself the pleasure. This is one of the proofs of how the ministers of the Orthodox Church could advance and even settle in the far continent. Not all attempts failed.
What is Debre Libanos?
In literal translation from the Amharic language of Ethiopia , in whose territory Debre-Libanos is located, it means "Lebanon Mountain". In fact - it is a secluded Orthodox monastery, located at one of the tributaries of the Blue Nile between the gorge and steep cliffs. Geographically, Debre Libanos is located 300 km north-west of the city of Addis Ababa and 150 km from the city of Asmera.
It is believed that one of the parts of the greatest shrine of all Christians - the Life-Giving Cross - is located in Debre-Libanos. The monastery was going through various times. But, despite the fact that at the end of the Italo-Ethiopian war in 1937 the entire population of the temple was destroyed, Debre-Libanose continues to be an active religious structure. Residents of the surrounding villages are permanent members of the local church.
It is the largest Christian monastery in Ethiopia . The abbot is called Ichege and in the hierarchy of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia stands immediately after the Patriarch. All the buildings, except the cave, were reconstructed in 1960.
What is interesting about the monastery?
According to legend, Debre Libanos was founded by Takla Haimanot, the most revered saints in Ethiopia today. It is believed that before the construction of the religious structure, he lived alone in a cave for 29 years. The grave of the founder of the monastery is next to one of the churches.
The architectural complex belongs to the buildings of the 13th century and is the main pilgrimage site in Ethiopia. Next to it is the same cave, and inside it is a source of fresh water. On special days, a huge line of pilgrims lined up at the spring. The interior of the buildings is decorated with a beautiful mosaic - the work of the famous Ethiopian master Afevorka Tekle.
Travelers will be interested to know that on the territory of Debre Libanos has its own ancient library, where the ancient manuscripts of the 13th century are kept. Also on the inner territory is a crypt, most burials of which are over 500 years old. Local residents organized a small spontaneous market at the very entrance to the monastery.
How to get to Debra-Libanos?
Prior to the monastery, regular transport does not go. You can drive to Debre-Libanos by yourself in a rented car, but preferably as part of a tour group with a local guide. A trip to the monastery is considered a popular excursion after visiting the waterfalls of the Blue Nile near the capital of Ethiopia.
Pilgrims, travelers and tourists should be prepared to be asked to make a donation in favor of the Debreu-Libanos Monastery.