Co-ordinates: 14° 02' 42" N, 39° 31' 16" E

 

Location:

The new church is carved into the southwest face, slightly above the Ḥawzen Plain and directly below the built church of Abunä Samu’el. The excavated white sandstone slag is visible on approach as is the built church of Mika’el Hatsät, to the south.

 

Church Description:

(by Tarn Philipp)

The new church is to replace the existing small built church of Samu’el Hatset. The new church was to be built on the valley below when Gəday Yəḫeyyəs, the Master Craftsman, proposed a carved alternative. Excavation began in February 2019 (Gregorian Calendar) and is being paid for by the local community. The experienced Gəday Yəḫeyyəs, who previously worked at Mikaˀel Harägʷa, Maryam Mägdälawit, Giyorgis Mai Wayni, and Abba Gärima Sǝlla‘ is supported by a team of five or six labourers from the local area. The workmen are unable to work throughout the year as they are farmers and need to tend their cattle and plough their fields.

 

Four free standing columns form a three-by-three-bay square church. The columns omit capitals, but arches are sprung in all directions and supported by pilasters at the walls. The church has a single entrance into the southern aisle. If funds allow, a second entrance will be added to the left. The maqdas chamber, to the far end, is yet to be carved, but is intended to include access from a lateral chamber to the north to be used by priests during the liturgy. The church is expected to be completed by mid-2022.

 

The church was visited in August 2019 and again in January 2020. On both occasions the craftsmen were found hard at work under the supervision of Gəday Yəḫeyyəs. By the second visit, the columns and arches had been refined but the excavation had otherwise progressed little. The old church, built against the rock face directly above, was also visited.

 

Getting There:

The turnoff (not signposted) is north of the Ḥawzen-Freweyni road (a fifteen-minute drive from Ḥawzen) and opposite and near the square built church of Ǝnde Samu’el, which is perched on an outcrop at the roadside. In the dry season it is possible to drive to within a ten-minute walk of the church. Otherwise it’s an hour’s flat walk from the turnoff, north across several fields. The path rises slightly before the church, which is visible on approach.

 

Dates Visited:
  • 07 August 2019
  • 14 January 2020