Bette Mariam Church (Lalibela’s most beloved church) is neither the largest church in Lalibela nor the most architecturally beautiful church. However, it is the church most adored by St. Lalibela and Christian believers.–St. Lalibela used to take service daily in this church
-It is The first church he built
-He carved a personal family prayer box on the wall of the western courtyard.
-When Pops and monks come, they serve in this church.
-Christmas and Lalibela’s birthday, the biggest Lalibela celebration takes place at this church.
To go to Bete Mariam The best and easiest way is through the Bete Methanelem enclosure passing through a canal. When you get to the court yard, you will notice that it is a well dug in the volcanic rock. It is used for baptism of holy water. On the east side of the wall, there are holes. When you hear about them, you will realize how the culture of Ethiopian Christianity uses symbolic representation. The unique upper hole represents the Father. The three holes below are for the crucifixion of Jesus with Jesus in the middle and the other two Guys. You will then find a hole on the Bottom that is for hell. The priests usually point to the hole on the Bottom and to the left side of Jesus say “that is the first visitor of hell’’. I just hope we’re not going to travel there .
The interior of the church is decorated with paintings; It also has a Gallery at the top. In the center there is a tall pillar covered with a white cloth. In low light, it appears to be a pillar of light. The priests say inside there is the words of God given to Lalibela. It is written in three languages: Geez, Greek and Arabic. The writing tells about the beginning and the end of the world.
There is more to learn and explore in these churches!
