Pilgrimages To Churches In Africa
While on a vacation to Ethiopia, one should definitely visit some of the Christian churches in and around Ethiopia. Lake Tana is Ethiopia's largest lake. There are some 37 small islands on the lake on which churches and monasteries have been built in years gone by. Churches and monasteries some of which go way back to the 13th century are definitely a visit for almost any community but would hold a lot of meaning for Christians while on a vacation to Africa. One can pray at these churches for special favors such as a child, healing and cures from life threatening illnesses and solution to family problems.
Ethiopia has a number of Christian festivals which they celebrate with fervor and enthusiasm. Tourists and holiday makers love to flock to churches during celebration of these festivals. Beginning with the Ethiopian New Year which falls on September 11 is also the beginning of the harvest season. Weddings are usually conducted around this time in the various churches. Ethiopian festivals and public holidays are segregated into three categories namely National secular, Christian orthodox and Islamic holidays. Each of these are celebrated with much fan fare and rejoicing. Christian orthodox holidays would include Timkat or Epiphany, Meskal, Genna or Christmas, Fasika or Easter. Christian and Muslim tourists and holiday makers would enjoy these celebrations and ensure that vacations are planned during these festive times.
During Christian festivals and holidays, priests at various churches don their traditional robes and church services and mid night masses are held. Visitors or tourists visiting these places could travel by Ethiopian Airlines which have flights to and from most cities across the globe. Ethiopia has world class hotels, resorts and motels where tourists and holiday makers could enjoy their stay at reasonable rates. One can contact local tourist centers to arrange for visits to important churches so that you are not left to fend for yourself. Guided tours to places of interest or historical sites would make such visits simpler and less time consuming.
Pilgrimage tours to monasteries and shrines are also conducted. You can visit such places at any time of the year but you will enjoy it the most if you try and visit during annual celebrations or Christian religious holidays. No visit by any true Christian to Ethiopia is complete without praying at Axum Tsion. This church is said to be one of the holiest places to visit in Ethiopia. A 4th century holy city is believed by Christian scholars and thinkers as to be the sanctuary of Arc of the Covenant. Every Christian would love to visit this place which houses the ten most important laws and commandments that every Christian man or woman should strictly follow.
Tourists and travelers should also not miss a visit to Gishen Mariam Church which is built on a table land. It is believed by the religious order of Christian followers that a fragment of the original Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified was buried under this church. Hence it is considered to be one of the most sacred of churches in the country. Other churches and monasteries worth a visit would be Debre Damo Monastery, Kullubi Gabriel and Lalibela all of which are located in and around Ethiopia and should be on any tourist route or destination.