Christian travellers
Christianity became the faith of the Aksumite kingdom under King Ezana in the 4th century, making Ethiopia one of the oldest Christian nations, and about two thirds of Ethiopians are Christian today. Almost every denomination is here: the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Greek Orthodox and Armenian churches, Catholic parishes, and Protestant churches from Lutheran (Mekane Yesus) and Kale Heywet to Seventh-day Adventist, Anglican and Pentecostal. Church life shapes the calendar, from fasting days to Timkat and Meskel, and the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela are still in use. More on Wikipedia.
- Orthodox churches are everywhere in Addis Ababa; landmarks include Holy Trinity Cathedral, St George's Cathedral and Bole Medhane Alem.
- For services in English, try the International Evangelical Church near Bole, the Mekane Yesus churches or St Matthew's Anglican Church; ask your hotel for the nearest English Mass.
- In Orthodox churches cover shoulders and knees, women cover their hair, and shoes come off before the inner church.
- Orthodox Christians fast (no animal products) on most Wednesdays and Fridays and before Easter, so vegan "fasting food" is easy to find.
Churches in Addis Ababa451 mapped
From OpenStreetMap, so not every place is listed. Tap a dot for directions.
Google Maps has more places, photos and opening hours; search "mosque", "church" or "synagogue" near you.