Ethiopian Culture - Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somaliland - page 600

ten alongside a bevy of strange creatures. Some of the best-known saints are listed below.
Here's a quick key:
Abuna Aregawi One day while wandering at the foot of a cliff, Abuna Aregawi spotted a
plateau high above him. Deciding it was the ideal spot for a nice, quiet hermit's life, he
prayed to God for assistance. Immediately, a large python stretched down from above and
lifted him onto the plateau. The famous monastery of Debre Damo was then founded. The
saint is usually depicted riding up the snake. He's one of the Nine Saints.
Abuna Samuel He lived near the Takezze River, where he preached and performed many
miracles, accompanied by a devoted lion. He is usually depicted astride his lion.
Belai the Cannibal Although not a saint, he's a favourite theme in religious art. Devour-
ing anyone who approached him, including his own family, Belai yet took pity one day on
a leper begging for water in the Virgin's name. After Belai died - some 72 human meals
later - Satan claimed his soul. St Mikael, the judge, balanced Belai's victims on one side,
the water on the other. However, the Virgin cast her shadow on the side of the scales con-
taining the water, and caused them to tip. Belai's soul was saved.
Equestrian Saints They are usually depicted on the north wall of the Holy of Holies and
may include Fasiladas, Claudius, Mercurius, Menas, Theodorus and George.
Mary Little known outside Ethiopia are the charming legends and miracles concerning
Mary, the childhood of Jesus and the flight to Egypt. A tree is often depicted hiding the
holy family - and the donkey - from Herod's soldiers during the flight to Egypt; the sol-
diers are confused by the sound of the donkey braying. Sometimes a furious Mary is
shown scolding Jesus, who's managed to break a clay water jug.
St Eostateos Also known as St Thaddeus, he's said to have arrived in Ethiopia borne up
the Nile from Egypt on three large stones. Apparently water continued to obey him:
whenever the saint chose to cross a river or a lake, the waters parted conveniently before
him.
St Gabriel God's messenger is usually represented cooling the flames of a fiery furnace
or cauldron containing three youths condemned by Nebuchadnezzar: Meshach, Shadrach
and Abednego.
St Gebre Kristos This Ethiopian prince sacrificed all his belongings to lead a life of
chastity, and ended up a leprous beggar. He's usually depicted outside his palace, where
only his dogs now recognise him.