Tour Guide, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Abuna Aregawi (also called Za-Mika'el 'Aragawi) was a sixth-century monk, whose traditions help founded the monastery Debre Damo in Tigray. He is said to have been commissioned by Emperor Gebre Mesqel of Axum.
He is one of the Nine Saints of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church who claims he came from various parts of the Roman Empire to escape persecution after the Council of Chalcedon (451). The Nine Saints, Abba Aftsé, Abba 'Aléf, Abba Gärima, Abba Guba, Abba Liqanos, Abba Pantelewon, Abba Sehma, Abba Yäm'ata (Yemata) and Abba Zä-Mika'él 'Arägawi were learned monks who revitalized Christianity in Ethiopia, and to whom the Ge'ez version of the New Testament is attributed.
Ethiopia: The Living Churches of an Ancient Kingdom celebrates the unique artistic and architectural achievement of 66 of these churches with more than 800 color photographs. The book delves into their history, documenting not just their exteriors, but their interior artwork, the panoply of religious festivals they host, and the lives of the monks and priests who call them home.