For the majority of Christian families who grow up in Ethiopia, including mine, going to church every Sundays is a tradition. Almost every Sunday, I would wake up early in the morning and head to the nearest church with my family. The fatigue of waking up in the morning would diminish as I entered the church and heard the pleasant sound of a sermon being projected from the church’s big megaphone.These Sundays have a special place in my heart, because they remind me of Ethiopia’s strong tradition and culture. They also signify the importance and centrality of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in our daily lives. These practices not only serve as spiritual fulfillment for the congregation but also serve as a means for the community to come together and talk about common issues that matter to us most. Everything inside is special, from the incredible and refreshing smell of the incense to the beautiful paintings and artful representations of religious figures on the walls. When I returned to Ethiopia last summer, I went back again to visit my hometown church because it is special and close to my heart.

I was also very excited to visit Entoto Mariam church on this trip. My mother and I woke up early one morning and took a taxi to go to the church. The church is located on top of a mountain in the Northern part of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. As we traveled up the mountain, I noticed women carrying heavy bundles of firewood on their backs returning to their homes. The area is densely packed with trees and most of the local women here use the branches  from these trees to cook food. As we approached the church, there were many children running around and playing football excitedly nearby.

Entoto Mariam church is built on top of one of the highest mountains in Addis Ababa. An ancient church built in 1877 by Emperor Menelik II, it is also home to the first tomb of Empress Taitu, wife of Emperor Menelik II. The tomb is called “Shera Bet” and was built in 1918. There is a museum right next to the church where some of the personal belongings of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taitu are displayed for visitors to see. Some of the historical items include traditional clothes, crowns of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taitu, their royal bed, different jewels owned by the royal family, and a mirror presented as a gift from Queen Victoria to Empress Taitu of Ethiopia. Apart from the museum, this place is also home to the first eucalyptus tree in Ethiopia which was brought from Australia.  

Since the church is located at such a high elevation, it overlooks the entire city of Addis Ababa. Tourists from around the world, as well as local residents, come to visit this historical place not only because of its architectural design but also because it is a sacred place where prayers are answered. Entoto Mariam church is famous for its ‘holy water’ spring, where people with illnesses go to bathe in with the help of priests to get healed.

It is clear why this unique site has become one of the popular tourist destinations in Ethiopia. I am truly grateful to have had the privilege to visit this amazing place, and I wish many more people could come to appreciate its beauty.  

Ruth Tekleab Mekbib is a sophomore at Smith College intending to major in Sociology with a minor in Economics and a Five-College Certificate in International Relations. She is an international student from Ethiopia and is always excited to share her culture to the general Smith community and beyond.

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