Christmas is the day that forgiveness was born.”. Scott Pelley: We're sitting in Saint Mary's Church. Any Ethiopian, over the age of 30, cannot forget the suffering of drought and war and a million people lost to starvation. This is particularly beautiful. The Church of Saint George (Amharic: Bete Giyorgis) is one of eleven rock-hewn monolithic churches in Lalibela, a city in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. Fasil Giorghis: This is considered to be a holy place, that coming here as a devout Christian is a very strong sign of their belief. Tsigie Selassie Mezgebu (Translation): “We tell the people that God became human and a human became God. The celebration beats to the rhythm of ancient instruments; the kebero double-headed drum and a rattle called the sistrum, whose sound was known in North Africa 3,000 years before Jesus. And over time, if you touch it, it actually crumbles. King Gebre Mesquel Lalibela (1189-1227 AD) under the Zagwe Dyansty, ... One approaches the church down a narrow path. And then they start digging or excavating downwards. Who are these pilgrims? In the Old Testament, Isaiah advises those who seek God to, "look to the rock from which you were cut and the quarry from which you were hewn." Getaye Abebeaw (Translation): "We were very tired," he said, "we were falling and getting back up throughout the journey, all to see the celebration here. And so, typically, in any one of the churches here, you get good stone. But then you also get actually bad stone and actually very bad stone, which is really very soft indeed. There have been other crazy conservation ideas. The largest church covers around 8,000 square feet, each is about four stories tall. Ethiopian people consider themselves descendants from Queen of Sebah. The whole of Lalibela is a large antiquity of the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia. Iron made the basalt red and, gases trapped inside, made the stone light, as light and pliable as air. Oh yes, way beyond a shadow of a doubt, absolutely, if they’re looked after correctly. Their king, Lalibela, is said to have traveled the 1,600 miles to Jerusalem. The charm of this city is indisputable, mysticism is almost palpable and the natural context that surrounds it is spectacular. Why attempt what must have seemed impossible? Encontre fotos de stock premium de alta resolução na Getty Images. But the faithful of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church say there’s no mystery really. Produced by Nicole Young. The enduring mystery is why. Oh yes, way beyond a shadow of a doubt, absolutely, if they're looked after correctly. Christians laid their mark on Ethiopia before the year 400. Simon Warrack: Yeah, this was one of the first big issues that I came across. A dozen years ago, five umbrellas were built to keep the heavens from pouring down. It is a time of faith, and reminded us of Lalibela, a monument to rare devotion. Click first to enlarge and scroll. They collected the dust. On hillsides you can still see columns of lava frozen in time. If faith is a mystery, there are few places in the Christian world where the mystery is deeper than in Lalibela. Simon Warrack: Yes. Fasil Giorghis: Well, there are three groups of churches, and each group is interconnected within itself. Scott Pelley: The priests collected the dust? After eight centuries, the Basalt Basilicas are weary of wind and water. The roofs were meant to be temporary and in a few years they must be recovered. And God will recognize our effort." Lalibela did a great job. Scott Pelley: Simon, you can't actually cut this stone in order to fit a new piece in, because the stone you would be cutting is sacred. Scott Pelley: Who worked on the project overnight. The enduring mystery is why. Scott Pelley: I met a woman on Christmas day who had spent three days walking here. The Lalibela churches are carved from soft volcanic rock, some cut into the face of a cliff, and others in carved pits accessed by long passages or trenches. There have been other crazy conservation ideas. Simon Warrack is a master stone mason also with the World Monuments Fund, a U.S.-based charity that preserves some of humankind's great achievements. Fasil Giorghis: I think I would rather take this as a symbolic thing because-- Scott Pelley: Do you not have any experience working with angels in architecture? And so, having known poverty in this life, they've invested their souls in the next. The faithful believe that the Queen of Sheba left Ethiopia, went to Jerusalem where she met King Solomon. Scott Pelley: I met a woman on Christmas day who had spent three days walking here. Some people travel hundreds of kilometers to get here on foot. But Lalibela is more complicated because of the sincere belief that angels worked this stone. Scott Pelley: So they dug, essentially, a trench around the whole perimeter which left them with a giant cube of solid rock. The northern highlands of Ethiopia rose 31 million years ago when fissures in the earth flooded the Horn of Africa with lava a mile deep. Stephen Battle: When you’re building a conventional building, you go to a quarry, and you’ll have different grades of stone. Lalibela, positioned at over 2,500 meters above sea level, is located in Northern Ethiopia and is considered a sacred city, thanks to the presence of twelve Coptic Christian sanctuaries, that were carved in the rock between the 12th and 13th centuries. Stephen Battle is an architect with the World Monuments Fund who told us Lalibela's miracle is being undermined because the rock is not rock solid. Archways, vaults and columns imitate traditional construction even though, in solid rock, there's no need to hold up the ceiling. That was the issue when Warrack was asked to resurrect the cross in a window without disturbing the fragment that remained. Stephen Battle prays they’ll be removed altogether and replaced by intensive maintenance. Scott Pelley: And then they carved their doors and in they went? Chipping inside, largely in darkness, artists sculpted many rooms with no room for error. Originally named Roha (Warwar), the historical and religious site was named Lalibela after the King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty, who commissioned its construction. Alarmed, Lalibela swiftly set about building the famous cruciform church you see today. Broadcast associate, Ian Flickinger. It’s really not compatible, it’s not appropriate. The churches are open for worship year-round but we were there Christmas Eve when nearly 200,000 pilgrims rose to heaven on a path descending into the earth. Associate producer, Katie Kerbstat. Fasil Giorghis: Well, there are three groups of churches, and each group is interconnected within itself. No bricks, no mortar, no concrete, no lumber— just rock sculpted into architecture. The churches of Lalibela were built by angels. Fasil Giorghis: This is considered to be a holy place, that coming here as a devout Christian is a very strong sign of their belief. And I think it’s a pretty apt way of describing them. Unholy to behold, the roofs became a lesson in the law of unintended consequences. To that end, the World Monuments Fund is teaching conservation to dozens of Lalibela’s priests and laymen in the hope that a host can protect the heavenly perhaps for centuries to come. It's divided by a stream King Lalibela christened, the river Jordan. Ingressos das Igrejas Lalibela (a partir de US$ 69,00) Tour guiado pelas Igrejas de Rock de Lalibela (a partir de US$ 212,54) Viagem de um dia a antigas igrejas rochosas de Lalibela (a partir de US$ 163,47) 5 dias Viagem a Bahir Dar, Gondar, Axum e Lalibela (a partir de US$ 1.025,65) Her neighbor, Getaye Abebeaw and his daughter told us they walked from their farms nearly 100 miles away, a journey of three days. On the central plateau of Ethiopia stand 11 churches, each carved from a single, gigantic, block of stone. But the faithful of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church say there's no mystery really. Stephen Battle is an architect with the World Monuments Fund who told us Lalibela’s miracle is being undermined because the rock is not rock solid. Christmas is the day that forgiveness was born.". How was it built? Lalibela, Ethiopia (ላሊበላ) is home to the incredible rock churches of Lalibela, carved from single blocks of stone. And there’s a bunch of gas station roofs that have been placed over the top of them. Lalibela: 11 churches, each sculpted out of a single block of stone 800 years ago. To that end, the World Monuments Fund is teaching conservation to dozens of Lalibela's priests and laymen in the hope that a host can protect the heavenly perhaps for centuries to come. The churches were carved around the year 1200 by people called the Zagwe. Scott Pelley: We’re sitting in Saint Mary’s Church. And over time, if you touch it, it actually crumbles. The church is the most popular among pilgrims as it’s dedicated to Virgin Mary, who’s particularly worshipped by Ethiopians. The churches were carved around the year 1200 by people called the Zagwe. Instead, the thousands of worshippers who attend daily services inside the churches accept a much more divine explanation: that King Lalibela was assisted by … Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities, second only to Aksum, and is a center of pilgrimage for much of the country. Simon Warrack: And this is one of the most sacred parts of Lalibela. But their most astounding dimension cannot be measured. It's a common scene here in Lalibela, a small town in northern Ethiopia that's home to 11 spectacular churches carved both inside and out from a single rock some 900 years ago. The layout and names of the churches were meant as a symbolic representation of Jerusalem, where Lalibela spent time as a child. When you’re carving a church out of the mountainside, you don’t have that luxury. The churches were too wet, now they’re too dry. Simon Warrack: Yeah, this was one of the first big issues that I came across. Tewede Yigzaw, told us, “I believe God is here. The celebration beats to the rhythm of ancient instruments; the kebero double-headed drum and a rattle called the sistrum, whose sound was known in North Africa 3,000 years before Jesus. Any Ethiopian, over the age of 30, cannot forget the suffering of drought and war and a million people lost to starvation. But then you also get actually bad stone and actually very bad stone, which is really very soft indeed. It is the length to which they summon adoration. And the Ark remains in Ethiopia, according to the priests of the orthodox church. Of all the churches in Lalibela, this one has probably the most beautiful frescoes and carvings on its ceiling. And they're also painted. When you're carving a church out of the mountainside, you don't have that luxury. Lalibela’s ruler, King Lalibela, commissioned the rock-cut churches to serve as a ‘New Jerusalem’ and an alternative place of pilgrimage for the country’s faithful. Stephen Battle: Well another 900 years, if they're looked after properly. As we first told you last Christmas, not much is known about who built them or how. Scott Pelley: God can hear your prayers anywhere. Who are these pilgrims? The churches are open for worship year-round but we were there Christmas Eve when nearly 200,000 pilgrims rose to heaven on a path descending into the earth. Veja fotos de stock sobre Inside A Lalibela Church com qualidade superior. As a monolithic cross, and with no added roof to obscure the view, the Church of St George stands out among many churches in Lalibela. And they’re also painted. Said to be the first church that was built, it’s been immaculately preserved, especially on the inside. Tsigie Selassie Mezgebu (Translation): "We tell the people that God became human and a human became God. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church claims to be among the earliest capitals of Christianity thanks to a mysterious figure of the Hebrew Bible. The enduring mystery is why. Stephen Battle: The local people call them gas station roofs. The faithful believe that the Queen of Sheba left Ethiopia, went to Jerusalem where she met King Solomon. So you can imagine, we have this extraordinary site with some of the most beautiful buildings in the world with extraordinary, huge, spiritual significance. SUBSCRIBE http://shorturl.at/etK26 - Let's go inside Lalibela's churches and let's view these historic and fascinating buildings - Lalibela, Ethiopia. The site of the 11 churches covers about 62 acres. If we ever had to drill a hole to strengthen it to put in a pin, we had to discuss it with the priests. On foot. Even beyond another millennia, we’re not likely to know with certainty the answer to why. They formed the shape. Scott Pelley: So they dug, essentially, a trench around the whole perimeter which left them with a giant cube of solid rock. The church is 15 metres high, the roof flush with ground level, the building surrounded by a courtyard with sheer rock walls. What are you saying in that chant? The last of the eleven rock-hewn churches to be built in Lalibela, the Church of Saint George, known locally as Bete Giyorgis, was built by King Gebre Mesqel Lalibela of the Zagwe dynasty and remains a site of huge cultural and religious significance.. It is a time of faith, and reminded us of Lalibela, a monument to rare devotion. And I think it's a pretty apt way of describing them. Tewede Yigzaw, told us, "I believe God is here. The northern highlands of Ethiopia rose 31 million years ago when fissures in the earth flooded the Horn of Africa with lava a mile deep. Chipping inside, largely in darkness, artists sculpted many rooms with no room for error. On hillsides you can still see columns of lava frozen in time. We met Tsigie Selassie Mezgebu, the head priest of Lalibela at the church of St. George, which was last to be built and judged to be the masterpiece. This is particularly beautiful. You get the best light for photographs from the top at sunset, although you should visit earlier in the day to see the inside as well. But, while God forgives, time does not. Fasil Giorghis is an Ethiopian architect and historian who walked us through the rock of ages. We saw the good and the bad in the chamber where King Lalibela is laid to rest. Stephen Battle:  What's absolutely clear is that something quite miraculous happened here. There is a … On foot. Religion is a cornerstone in Ethiopian culture; 99% of Ethiopian people are believers, 62% of them practice Ethiopian Orthodox Christianism. Simon Warrack: And this is one of the most sacred parts of Lalibela. Stephen Battle prays they'll be removed altogether and replaced by intensive maintenance. Tsigie Selassie Mezgebu (Translation): “These are believers,” he told us, “Not just three days, even three months sometimes. Scott Pelley Warrack has repaired European cathedrals and Roman antiquities. Because of Christ, we went from being punished by God to being his children again. And you try and select the best stone. The site of the 11 churches covers about 62 acres. They found the ancient stone welcomed the bite of a chisel. Scott Pelley: On Christmas Eve, we watched you and your priests lead the chant all night long. And so we were able to conserve this tiny bit of stone, which is, in stone masonry terms, it’s crazy. On the central plateau of Ethiopia stand 11 churches, each carved from a single, gigantic, block of stone. Fasil Giorghis: Well, it was built starting from outside. Ask your guide about the hoof prints left by George’s horse. And so we were able to conserve this tiny bit of stone, which is, in stone masonry terms, it's crazy. We met Tsigie Selassie Mezgebu, the head priest of Lalibela at the church of St. George, which was last to be built and judged to be the masterpiece. They found the ancient stone welcomed the bite of a chisel. California Privacy/Information We Collect. Scott Pelley: For the first time in 900 years, they're not being rained on. Legend has it, when he returned and Jerusalem fell to the Islamic conquest, Lalibela ordered a new home for Christianity. Scott Pelley: And then they carved their doors and in they went? Inside Lalibela, the mysterious holy site visited by 200,000 Ethiopian Christians on their annual pilgrimage. Associate producer, Katie Kerbstat. But their most astounding dimension cannot be measured. Fasil Giorghis: And he came back with an ambitious idea, a vision of creating an African Jerusalem, a black Jerusalem here in the highlands of Ethiopia. But you have to do that in this kind of situation. Scott Pelley: Who worked on the project overnight. Pilgrims near a church at Lalibela Chipping inside, largely in darkness, artists sculpted many rooms with no room for error. In the northern highlands of Ethiopia stand 11 churches that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church says were built by angels. Warrack has repaired European cathedrals and Roman antiquities. It's really not compatible, it's not appropriate. Lalibela is a town in Lasta Amhara Region, Ethiopia famous for its rock-cut monolithic churches. But you have to do that in this kind of situation. That was the issue when Warrack was asked to resurrect the cross in a window without disturbing the fragment that remained. Even beyond another millennia, we're not likely to know with certainty the answer to why. No answer was apparent until we chipped away at what we saw Christmas Day. It was a very thin piece of stone remaining. Iron made the basalt red and, gases trapped inside, made the stone light, as light and pliable as air. When there was no air travel or buses, people used to travel from various parts of the country for months, to come here and celebrate with us.”. Scott Pelley: This is one of the best-preserved sculptures I’ve seen at Lalibela. It is the length to which they summon adoration. And so, typically, in any one of the churches here, you get good stone. There was a whole procedure around touching the fabric of the church. Fasil Giorghis: I think I would rather take this as a symbolic thing because– Scott Pelley: Do you not have any experience working with angels in architecture? When there was no air travel or buses, people used to travel from various parts of the country for months, to come here and celebrate with us.". From that meeting came a son, and, when the son was an adult, he returned to Ethiopia with 12,000 Israelites and the Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets with the word of God, the 10 Commandments. No answer was apparent until we chipped away at what we saw Christmas Day. Fasil Giorghis: Well, it was built starting from outside. Simon Warrack: This was completely gone, yes. Fasil Giorghis: And he came back with an ambitious idea, a vision of creating an African Jerusalem, a black Jerusalem here in the highlands of Ethiopia. Broadcast associate, Ian Flickinger. Stephen Battle: The local people call them gas station roofs. How was it built? They collected the dust. Whoever cut this rock, angels or man, understood that, in the presence of a miracle, faith is never washed away. Why did you feel you had to be here? Unlike Axum, the population of Lalibela is almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. Stephen Battle: Exactly right. We saw the good and the bad in the chamber where King Lalibela is laid to rest. You leave the bad stuff behind. Ultimate guide on everything you need to know about visiting the mystical, rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia. The churches were too wet, now they're too dry. Stephen Battle: When you're building a conventional building, you go to a quarry, and you'll have different grades of stone. Tewede Yigzaw (Translation):  “So that God can see our devotion,” she said, “and our dedication.” Getaye Abebeaw (Translation): “We were very tired,” he said, “we were falling and getting back up throughout the journey, all to see the celebration here. Inside Lalibela, the mysterious holy site Watch Video: Inside Lalibela, the mysterious holy site visited by 200,000 Ethiopian Christians on their annual pilgrimage This Christmas season brings fresh hope with vaccines rolling out and a new year dawning. No bricks, no mortar, no concrete, no lumber— just rock sculpted into architecture. As we first told you last Christmas, not much is known about who built them or how. Produced by Nicole Young. From that meeting came a son, and, when the son was an adult, he returned to Ethiopia with 12,000 Israelites and the Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets with the word of God, the 10 Commandments. It was a very thin piece of stone remaining. Simon Warrack: So I hollowed out the back of the cross shape that we were inserting, so that it was fitting over the original stone, a bit like a dentist. Scott Pelley: This is one of the best-preserved sculptures I've seen at Lalibela. Some people travel hundreds of kilometers to get here on foot. Stephen Battle: Exactly right. ▶ Watch Video: Inside Lalibela, the mysterious holy site visited by 200,000 Ethiopian Christians on their annual pilgrimage. Why did king lalibela attempt the seemingly impossible when easier building techniques were known? Inside are paintings of Saint George defeating the dragon and there is also a replica of the Ark of the Covenant that only the Ethiopian priests may look at. Archways, vaults and columns imitate traditional construction even though, in solid rock, there’s no need to hold up the ceiling. So you can imagine, we have this extraordinary site with some of the most beautiful buildings in the world with extraordinary, huge, spiritual significance. While other rock-hewn churches of Lalibela typically have a rectangular plan, the cruciform layout of St. George Church secured its iconic status. Lalibela, Ethiopia - Nov 2018: Mass ceremony and priest holding a cross during a ceremony inside the church Wukro Cherkos, Ethiopia - Feb 11, 2020: Interior of the rocky church of Wukro Cherkos in Ethiopia. Simon Warrack: So I hollowed out the back of the cross shape that we were inserting, so that it was fitting over the original stone, a bit like a dentist. In the Old Testament, Isaiah advises those who seek God to, “look to the rock from which you were cut and the quarry from which you were hewn.” Whoever cut this rock, angels or man, understood that, in the presence of a miracle, faith is never washed away. Legend has it, when he returned and Jerusalem fell to the Islamic conquest, Lalibela ordered a new home for Christianity. This Christmas season brings fresh hope with vaccines rolling out and a new year dawning. The churches of Lalibela were built by angels. The Christmas celebration Ethiopians call Genna compresses them, shoulder to shoulder, to fast and chant and praise all night 'til dawn brings Christmas Day. Tewede Yigzaw (Translation):  "So that God can see our devotion," she said, "and our dedication." What are you saying in that chant? In the northern highlands of Ethiopia stand 11 churches that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church … 800 years ago, an Ethiopian king ordered a new capital for Christians. And a lot of it is good stone. There was a whole procedure around touching the fabric of the church. Christians laid their mark on Ethiopia before the year 400. Scott Pelley: For the first time in 900 years, they’re not being rained on. After eight centuries, the Basalt Basilicas are weary of wind and water. Foto de Tukul Village, Lalibela: Inside a church - Confira as 5.348 fotos e vídeos reais dos membros do Tripadvisor de Tukul Village And the Ark remains in Ethiopia, according to the priests of the orthodox church. Scott Pelley: As the story goes, he was helped by angels. Stephen Battle:  What’s absolutely clear is that something quite miraculous happened here. With five aisles, Biete Medhani Alem is believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world. Archways, vaults and columns imitate traditional construction even though, in solid rock, there’s no need to hold up the ceiling. Simon Warrack: Yes. At 8,000 feet, on the central plateau of Ethiopia stand 11 churches, each carved from a single, […] And you try and select the best stone. And God will recognize our effort.” The Christmas celebration Ethiopians call Genna compresses them, shoulder to shoulder, to fast and chant and praise all night ’til dawn brings Christmas Day. Scott Pelley: As the story goes, he was helped by angels. And so the stone is contracting much more than it has ever done before. Why did you feel you had to be here? To Christians, Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's holiest cities, second only to Axum, and a center of pilgrimage. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church claims to be among the earliest capitals of Christianity thanks to a mysterious figure of the Hebrew Bible. Lalibela is a town in northern Ethiopia that is famous for its 11 monolithic rock-cut churches. Their king, Lalibela, is said to have traveled the 1,600 miles to Jerusalem. And a lot of it is good stone. Lalibela church of St. George (Bete Giyorgis, sometimes spelled Bet Giorgis or Biete Ghiorgis) has a shape of a Greek Orthodox cross. But, while God forgives, time does not. And what happens is this creates little failures on a micro level and the stone starts to crumble. Simon Warrack is a master stone mason also with the World Monuments Fund, a U.S.-based charity that preserves some of humankind’s great achievements. Fasil Giorghis: Yes. If we ever had to drill a hole to strengthen it to put in a pin, we had to discuss it with the priests. Many walked for days or weeks, fasting, robed in white—an ordeal that is rinsed from the disciples in the tradition of Jesus. And they have been doing it for several centuries. Because of Christ, we went from being punished by God to being his children again. Fasil Giorghis: Yes. Copyright © 2021 CBS Interactive Inc.All rights reserved. 800 years ago, an Ethiopian king ordered a new capital for Christians. Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 6.1) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/84.0.4147.89 Safari/537.36, Several countries ban travel to the U.K. due to new coronavirus strain, Organization teaching prisoners in Africa how to defend themselves in court, Fort Covington Adult Center Take-out Pancake Breakfast, American Legion Post 219 Pre-Valentine Pulled Pork Dinner. Why did king lalibela attempt the seemingly impossible when easier building techniques were known? Fasil Giorghis: Well, I get inspiration from angels. Fasil Giorghis is an Ethiopian architect and historian who walked us through the rock of ages. And what happens is this creates little failures on a micro level and the stone starts to crumble. They formed the shape. Bomani in Ethiopia on an incredible 7 city tour May 7-14, 2017. Fasil Giorghis: Well, I get inspiration from angels. The roofs were meant to be temporary and in a few years they must be recovered. And then they start digging or excavating downwards. Stephen Battle: Well another 900 years, if they’re looked after properly. But Lalibela is more complicated because of the sincere belief that angels worked this stone. Unlike Aksum, the population of Lalibela is almost completely Ethiopian Orthodox Christian. And so the stone is contracting much more than it has ever done before. Inside Lalibela, the mysterious holy site visited by 200,000 Ethiopian Christians on their annual… In the northern highlands of Ethiopia stand 11 churches that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church says were built by angels. Many walked for days or weeks, fasting, robed in white—an ordeal that is rinsed from the disciples in the tradition of Jesus. And they have been doing it for several centuries. Tsigie Selassie Mezgebu (Translation): "These are believers," he told us, "Not just three days, even three months sometimes. Scott Pelley: The priests collected the dust? I came with faith." Scott Pelley: On Christmas Eve, we watched you and your priests lead the chant all night long. Unholy to behold, the roofs became a lesson in the law of unintended consequences. A dozen years ago, five umbrellas were built to keep the heavens from pouring down. 800 years ago, an Ethiopian king ordered a new capital for Christians. And there's a bunch of gas station roofs that have been placed over the top of them. I came with faith.”  Her neighbor, Getaye Abebeaw and his daughter told us they walked from their farms nearly 100 miles away, a journey of three days. Ethiopia was one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity in the first half of the 4th century Scott Pelley: God can hear your prayers anywhere. It’s divided by a stream King Lalibela christened, the river Jordan. Simon Warrack: This was completely gone, yes. You leave the bad stuff behind. Scott Pelley: Simon, you can’t actually cut this stone in order to fit a new piece in, because the stone you would be cutting is sacred. The largest church covers around 8,000 square feet, each is about four stories tall. This Christmas season brings fresh hope with vaccines rolling out and a new year dawning. Why attempt what must have seemed impossible? In the northern highlands of Ethiopia stand 11 churches that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church says were built by angels. © 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. And so, having known poverty in this life, they’ve invested their souls in the next.