Abba Hailemariam Genetu, Head Priest at Azwah Maryam — a circular church with a grass roof, located on an isolated peninsula — greets visitors.This church, he says, dates back to the 14th century. It is younger than most.The handsome Abba, or Father, Genetu, speaks a Semitic language related to Hebrew, doesn’t eat pork and performs ritual circumcision. He, like all Ethiopian Orthodox, practices a Christianity that is older, closer to Judaism, and far more exotic — complete with ritual dancing and drumming — than you’ll find anywhere in North America.His remote church was constructed to protect the faith, but also to reserve Ethiopia’s ancient religious treasures — ornate silver and bronze crosses, prayer sticks that recall Moses’ staff and centuries-old illuminated manuscripts.
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