St. George and Friends

In the 12th century, King Lalibela of Ethiopia built rock-hewn churches, a “new Jerusalem” now honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tradition says St. George, Ethiopia’s patron saint, appeared to him, mounted and shining with God’s light, guiding the carving of Bet Giyorgis, a church shaped like a cross to show Christ’s victory. Some say hoofprints in the stone, shown to pilgrims today, mark this holy guidance.

Lalibela’s churches, a wonder of faith, were shaped through God’s power, with St. George’s intercession. EOTC icons, kept in places like Addis Ababa’s museums, show him as a rider, and Gəʿəz prayers call on his care. For Orthodox children, this story shows how St. George’s prayers help build sacred places, leading people to Christ.