This is one of the most sacred and ancient monasteries in Ethiopia. Located 482 kilometers North of Addis Abeba in wello region, this historic place consists of four churches known as; Gishen Mariam, Kidus Michael, Kidus Gebrael and Egziare Ab. During the celebration of Meskel, also known as the finding of the true cross which is on September 27th, numerous pilgrims from all over the country and even the world gather and celebrate the festivity. More than 2500 buses carrying people to this blessed destination has came on the day of the celebration and have witnessed the ceremony first hand. It is one of the “must see” destinations in Ethiopia filled with numerous amount of history, mystery and soul renewing energy. 
The true cross, which Jesus Christ was crucified on was hidden by the Jews due to hatred, but Empress Helena prayed for assistance to guide her to find the place of the burial of the true cross during her pilgrimage by lighting of incense. The smoke then led her towards the direction of the buried cross where she dug and found three crosses one of which was the one that Jesus Christ was crucified on. She gave pieces of the cross to different churches afterwards the pieces were relocated to Gishen Mariyam, and it is believed that it rests underneath the church. This monastery also acquires a volume of a books which records the story of the True Cross of Christ and how it was obtained. Along with, Mekedala Escarpments and Lake Kayake within its vicinity
Article By: Kalkidan Bekele
