Co-ordinates: 13° 58' 25" N, 39° 25' 27" E

Location:

The church lies on the edge of Ḥawzen Town, just south of the church of Täklä Haymanot (likely one of the earliest rock churches in Ethiopia). The new church is carved into the north face of a small outcrop, beside the built church of Ǝnde Gäbrǝˀel and within the same compound as Täklä Haymanot.

 

Church Description:

(by Tarn Philipp)

The new church owes its creation to a patron, Gäbrä Rafael, who lives in Mekele but is originally from Ḥawzen. In the patron’s absence, his brother Arägawi is overseeing the project. The new church is anticipated to replace the small built church of Ǝnde Gäbrǝˀel. The master craftsman is Gəday Ḥadušǝ, who is simultaneously responsible in part for nearby Mai Wayni Giyorgis. The church is intended to measure twenty by fifteen meters with a height of four meters, although the size will ultimately be determined by the extent of the rock in which it is carved. The church is to include three entrances from the north and a single maqdas or sanctuary chamber to the east. The church is expected to be completed by early 2023 (Gregorian Calendar).

 

The church was visited in August 2019, two years after excavation began and again in January 2020. Little progress had been made between the two visits although the first set of columns was beginning to emerge. The church presently consists of a large rectangular space, entered from the north by an entrance on either end. Both entrances are rectangular. The current excavation is eleven-and-a-half meters wide and four meters deep with a height of between two and two-and-a-half meters.

 

On the second visit, two workmen were found on-site. The Master Craftsman, Gəday Ḥadušǝ, appears to have become less involved, coming occasionally to supervise and offer advice. The new church is to be consecrated to Kidanä Məḥrät, but as this may change, the name given refers to the nearby built church of Gäbrǝˀel. Despite the proximity, the new church bears no similarity to the ancient church of Täklä Haymanot other than its being carved from rock.

 

Getting There:

The church lies on the outskirts of Ḥawzen and is less than a ten-minute walk south of the round-about on the road to Mäggab. The church is on the right, just after Täklä Haymanot and opposite Gheralta Lodge. It is possible to drive right up to the church.

 

Dates Visited:
  • 06 August 2019
  • 15 January 2020

A conversation with Gǝbrärufa'el Zär'abruk

Qǝddus Mikaˀel and Kidanä Mǝhrät
Hawzen, Tǝgray, Ethiopia
Jan 25, 2020

(please note: caption language can be selected under the "Settings" section in the video player)

 

Images
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