Possibly the most celebrated name day in the country, St George’s Day, is a public holiday that takes place on 6 May every year. St George is one of Ethiopia’s most important saints. Mark Simpson, co-founder of Black History Studies: “The small town of Lalibela, Ethiopia, is home to one of the world’s most sacred Christian sites – 11 rock-hewn churches, each carved entirely out of a single block of granite with its roof at ground level. The most spectacular church in Lalibela is Bet Giorgis (St George’s). Bet Giorgis is believed to be the largest monolithic church in the world, and is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world.
Saint George’s bravery and dedication has touched the hearts of millions of Christians around the world. George is also regarded as a patron saint for soldiers, archers, cavalry, farmers, field workers, riders, saddlers, and in recent years, scouts. Due to St George’s bravery, paintings of him were taken into numerous battles ahead of the Ethiopian army, with the belief it would give them victory.
In 1896, a cathedral was built as a token of thanks to the saint, whose relic was carried to the Battle of Adwa, a conflict fought against invading Italians. The Ethiopians won the battle which is the only time an African army defeated Europeans in a major encounter.
Simpson added: “St George is as important to Ethiopians as he is to English people, because they both regard him as an important saint. And not just Ethiopia and England, but many countries around the world claim St George as their number one saint.
http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/can-real-st-george-please-stand
