International Artist & Spiritual Minister Antoinette RootsDawtah reflects on her trip to Ethiopia to participate in U Day 2018 and to reminisce on her amazing pilgrimage to Lalibela to visit the historical churches that she had only dreamed of experiencing. 

The Church of St. George (featured in this video) is one of eleven rock-hewn monolithic churches in Lalibela, a city in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. Originally named Roha (Warwar), the historical and religious site was named Lalibela after the King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty, who commissioned its construction. He is regarded as a saint by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

The church was carved from a type of volcanic tuff. This is the sole architectural material that was used in the structure. It has been dated to the late 12th or early 13th century AD, and thought to have been constructed during the reign of King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela, of the late Zagwe dynasty. It is among the best known and last built of the eleven churches in the Lalibela area, and has been referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Lalibela, King of Ethiopia, sought to recreate Jerusalem, and structured the churches' landscape and religious sites in such a way as to achieve such a feat. 

The churches at Lalibela are clustered in two major groups, one representing the earthly Jerusalem, and the other representing the heavenly Jerusalem. Located directly between them is a trench representing the River Jordan. The dimensions of the trench are 25 meters by 25 meters by 30 meters, and there is a small baptismal pool outside the church, which stands in an artificial trench.

According to Ethiopian cultural history, Bete Giyorgis was built after King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty had a vision in which he was instructed to construct the church; Saint George and God have both been referred to as the ones who gave him the instructions.

Lalibela is a pilgrimage site for members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and other devoted Followers of Christ from around the world. 

Much love and gratitude to our Big Brother Ben Bowler for providing the opportunity to make this dream a Reality!!!!!

Music Credits:
Lead Guitar: Andy Kushner
Nyah Binghi Drums: Al Keith
Drum Programming: Pato Banton
Recorded & Mixed by Pato Banton
Keyboards and Bass Line: Antoinette RootsDawath

Filmed & Edited by Pato Banton

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