Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Orthodox church in Axum, Ethiopia
The Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is an Orthodox church in Axum, Ethiopia, consisting of several buildings within a walled compound. The new cathedral from the mid-20th century stands beside the old church and a small chapel that only a single guardian may enter.
King Ezana ordered a church built on this site in the 4th century after Christianity became the state religion of the Aksumite kingdom. Later rulers renewed the building several times, with the current new cathedral constructed under Emperor Haile Selassie.
The site carries the title of holiest place in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and draws pilgrims from across the country. Only men may enter the inner church grounds, while women pray in a separate area.
The path through the three courtyards runs from Daro Ela Square to the main entrance, with visitors able to see the thirteen stone thrones along the path in the first courtyard. Visiting in the morning works best when the gates are open and fewer pilgrims are present.
Ethiopian tradition holds that the Ark of the Covenant rests in the small chapel on the grounds, guarded by a single monk who spends his entire life there. This guardian may never leave the chapel, and no one but him can enter the interior.
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