In many aspects of Ethiopian life, no other symbol is as dominant as the cross. Crosses are used in numerous religious ceremonies, performances and festivals but also in daily life.
The Processional Cross is the largest and most elaborate Ethiopian cross and is hold by a priest above the heads of the crowd to bless it. This cross can be made of brass, silver, wood or gold and often bores a picture of the Virgin Mary. There is no limit to the imagination of the artisan.
For centuries the Ark of the Covenant, containing the 10 commandments, was kept in the church of Mary of Zion in Axum where emperor Iyasu is recorded to have seen it as one of the last persons in 1691.
Today it is kept in the Chapel of the Tablet, which was built especially for this purpose during the reign of the last emperor Haile Selassie. The relic is entrusted to a single guardian who serves the Ark until his time arrives and he appoints an other guardian. No one else can approach it, not even the high priest of Axum.
Ethiopian orthodox church The Orthodox Church in Ethiopia was founded by the monks Frumentius and Aedissius in the early fourth century, during the reign of King Ezana of Axum, who converted to Christianity along with many of his people. The two Syrian youths were found on a ship on the Axumite coast and taken to the king, who gave them a chance and employed them later on in the royal court. Frumentius eventually became the king’s secretary and treasurer and converted him to Chirstianity.
