Ethiopia – In the Cradle of Christianity

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, founded by monks Frumentius and Aedissius in the early 4th century during King Ezana's reign, embraced Christianity, leading to widespread conversion. In the 7th century, Muslim Arab conquests isolated the church from other Christian communities. Ethiopian Christianity combines Christian saints and angels with pre-Christian beliefs in spirits.

Today, the church is autocephalous ("self-headed") but shares doctrinal ties with Egypt’s Copts. Ethiopia's rock-hewn churches, carved from single stone blocks, showcase a long-standing architectural tradition. Found mainly in the north and center, some of these monolithic churches date back to the 6th or 7th centuries, particularly in Tigray. Around 120 churches and monasteries, often hidden in the mountains, use centuries-old holy books in daily prayers and remain active with monks and priests. Legend claims the “original” Ark of the Covenant is in Axum, enhancing the church's historical and spiritual importance.